All preceptors should have that kind of genius described by Tacitus, "equal to their business, but not above it;" a patient industry, with competent erudition; a mind depending more on its correctness than its originality, and on its memory rather than on its invention.

That extremes beget extremes is an apothegm built on the most profound observation of the human mind.

The praise of the envious is far less creditable than their censure; they praise only that which they can surpass, but that which surpasses them they censure.

Justice to my readers compels me to admit that I write because I have nothing to do; justice to myself induces me to add that I will cease to write the moment I have nothing to say.

Levity is often less foolish and gravity less wise than each of them appears.

The worst thing that can be said of the most powerful is that they can take your life; but the same can be said of the most weak.

Tyrants have not yet discovered any chains that can fetter the mind.