We own almost all our knowledge not to those who have agreed but to those who have differed.

Strong as our passions are, they may be starved into submission, and conquered without being killed.

Avarice has ruined more souls than extravagance.

In most quarrels there is a fault on both sides. A quarrel may be compared to a spark, which cannot be produced without a flint, as well as steel. Either of them may hammer on wood forever; no fire will follow.

Of all the passions, jealousy is that which exacts the hardest service, and pays the bitterest wages. Its service is to watch the success of one's enemy; its wages to be sure of it.

The excess of our youth are checks written against our age and they are payable with interest thirty years later.

Attempts at reform, when they fail, strengthen despotism, as he that struggles tightens those cords he does not succeed in breaking.