A semi-civilized state of society, equally removed from the extremes of barbarity and of refinement, seems to be that particular meridian under which all the reciprocities and gratuities of hospitality do most readily flourish and abound. For it so happens that the ease, the luxury, and the abundance of the highest state of civilization, are as productive of selfishness, as the difficulties, the privations, and the sterilities of he lowest.

The family is the most basic unit of government. As the first community to which a person is attached and the first authority under which a person learns to live, the family establishes society's most basic values.

Where we cannot invent, we may at least improve; we may give somewhat of novelty to that which was old, condensation to that which was diffuse, perspicuity to that which was obscure, and currency to that which was recondite.

That writer does the most who gives his reader the most knowledge and takes from him the least time.

If a book really wants the patronage of a great name, it is a bad book; and if it be a good book, it wants it not.

Nothing more completely baffles one who is full of trick and duplicity himself, than straight forward and simple integrity in another.

Sometimes the greatest adversities turn out to be the greatest blessings.