For one man who sincerely pities our misfortunes, there are a thousand who sincerely hate our success.

Perhaps that is nearly the perfection of good writing which is original, but whose truth alone prevents the reader from suspecting that it is so; and which effects that for knowledge which the lens effects for the sunbeam, when it condenses its brightness in order to increase its force.

When all moves equally (says Pascal), nothing seems to move as in a vessel under sail; and when all run by common consent into vice, none appear to do so. He that stops first, views as from a fixed point the horrible extravagance that transports the rest.

Examinations are formidable even to the best prepared, for the greatest fool may ask more than the wisest man can answer.

Men's arguments often prove nothing but their wishes.

We cannot think too highly of our nature, nor too humbly of ourselves.

Sloth, if it has prevented many crimes, has also smothered many virtues.