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

Mental pleasures never cloy; unlike those of the body, they are increased by reputation, approved by reflection, and strengthened by enjoyment.

Pedantry crams our heads with learned lumber and takes out our brains to make room for it.

If merited, no courage can stand against its just indignation.

For what are the triumphs of war, planned by ambition, executed by violence, and consummated by devastation? The means are the sacrifice of many, the end, the bloated aggrandizement of the few.

Courage is generosity of the highest order, for the brave are prodigal of the most precious things.

Some frauds succeed from the apparent candor, the open confidence, and the full blaze of ingenuousness that is thrown around them. The slightest mystery would excite suspicion and ruin all. Such stratagems may be compared to the stars; they are discoverable by darkness and hidden only by light.