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

Those that are the loudest in their threats are the weakest in their actions.

When all run by common consent into vice, none appear to do so.

Emulation has been termed a spur to virtue, and assumes to be a spur of gold. But it is a spur composed of baser materials, and if tried in the furnace will be found to want that fixedness which is the characteristic of gold. He that pursues virtue, only to surpass others, is not far from wishing others less forward than himself; and he that rejoices too much at his own perfections will be too little grieved at the defects of other men.

He that has energy enough to root out a vice should go further, and try to plant a virtue in its place.

It is good to act as if. It is even better to grow to the point where it is no longer an act.

It is almost as difficult to make a man unlearn his errors as his knowledge.