In civil jurisprudence it too often happens that there is so much law, that there is no room for justice, and that the claimant expires of wrong in the midst of right, as mariners die of thirst in the midst of water.

Anger is practical awkwardness.

Human foresight often leaves its proudest possessor only a choice of evils.

If Satan ever laughs, it must be at hypocrites; they are the greatest dupes he has.

It is a mortifying truth, and ought to teach the wisest of us humility, that many of the most valuable discoveries have been the result of chance rather than of contemplation, and of accident rather than of design.

It is far more easy to acquire a fortune like a knave, than to expend it, like a gentleman.

When we live habitually with the wicked, we become necessarily either their victim or their disciple; when we associate, on the contrary, with virtuous men, we form ourselves in imitation of their virtues, or, at least, lose every day something of our faults.