Imitation is the sincerest of flattery.

The consequences of things are not always proportionate to the apparent magnitude of those events that have produced them. Thus the American Revolution, from which little was expected, produced much; but the French Revolution, from which much was expected, produced little.

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

No two things differ more than hurry and despatch. Hurry is the mark of a weak mind; despatch of a strong one.

There are two way of establishing a reputation, one to be praised by honest people and the other to be accused by rogues. It is best, however, to secure the first one, because it will always be accompanied by the latter.

As there are none so weak that we may venture to injure them with impunity, so there are none so low that they may not at some time be able to repay an obligation. Therefore, what benevolence would dictate, prudence would confirm.

Light, whether it be material or moral, is the best reformer.