Taking things not as they ought to be, but as they are, I fear it must be allowed that Macchiavelli will always have more disciples than Jesus.

Custom is the law of one description of fools, and fashion of another; but the two parties often clash--for precedent is the legislator of the first, and novelty of the last. Custom, therefore, looks to things that are past, and fashion to things that are present.

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

Much may be done in those little shreds and patches of time which every day produces, and which most men throw away.

He that sympathizes in all the happiness of others, perhaps himself enjoys the safest happiness.

Professors in every branch of the sciences, prefer their own theories to truth: the reason is that their theories are private property, but truth is common stock.

We know the effects of many things, but the cause of few; experience, therefore, is a surer guide than imagination, and inquiry than conjecture.