Logic is a large drawer, containing some useful instruments, and many more that are superfluous. A wise man will look into it for two purposes, to avail himself of those instruments that are really useful, and to admire the ingenuity with which those that are not so, are assorted and arranged.

Our admiration of fine writing will always be in proportion to its real difficulty and its apparent ease.

Money is the most envied, but the least enjoyed. Health is the most enjoyed, but the least envied.

Doubt is the vestibule of faith.

Style is indeed the valet of genius, and an able one too; but as the true gentleman will appear, even in rags, so true genius will shine, even through the coarsest style.

To diminish envy, let us consider not what others possess, but what they enjoy; mere riches may be the gift of lucky accident or blind chance, but happiness must be the result of prudent preference and rational design; the highest happiness then can have no other foundation than the deepest wisdom; and the happiest fool is only as happy as he knows how to be.

Some read to think, these are rare; some to write, these are common; and some read to talk, and these form the great majority.