In death itself there can be nothing terrible, for the act of death annihilates sensation; but there are many roads to death, and some of them justly formidable, even to the bravest.

The benevolent have the advantage of the envious, even in this present life; for the envious man is tormented not only by all the ill that befalls himself, but by all the good that happens to another; whereas the benevolent man is the better prepared to bear his own calamities unruffled, from the complacency and serenity he has secured from contemplating the prosperity of all around him.

Eloquence is the language of nature, and cannot be learned in the schools; but rhetoric is the creature of art, which he who feels least will most excel in.

There is this paradox in fear: he is most likely to inspire it in others who has none himself!

It is a common observation that any fool can get money; but they are not wise that think so.

Those who have finished by making all others think with them, have usually been those who began by daring to think with themselves.

Shining outward qualities, although they may excite first-rate expectations, are not unusually found to be the companions of second-rate abilities.