Unlike the sun, intellectual luminaries shine brightest after they set.

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 an author's work is the mirror of his mind is a position that has led to very false conclusions. If Satan himself were to write a book it would be in praise of virtue, because the good would purchase it for use, and the bad for ostentation.

Never join with your friend when he abuses his horse or his wife, unless the one is about to be sold, the other to be buried.

By paying our other debts, we are equal with all mankind; but in refusing to pay a debt of revenge, we are superior.

The greatest friend of truth is Time, her greatest enemy is Prejudice, and her constant companion is Humility.

Those that will not permit their wealth to do any good for others. . . cut themselves off from the truest pleasure here and the highest happiness later.