Theory is worth but little, unless it can explain its own phenomena, and it must effect this without contradicting itself; therefore, the facts are sometimes assimilated to the theory, rather than the theory to the facts.

He that aspires to be the head of a party will find it more difficult to please his friends than to perplex his foes. He must often act from false reasons which are weak, because he dares not avow the true reasons which are strong.

No man can promise himself even fifty years of life, but any man may, if he please, live in the proportion of fifty years in forty-let him rise early, that he may have the day before him, and let him make the most of the day, by determining to expend it on two sorts of acquaintance only-those by whom something may be got, and those from whom something maybe learned.

Tyrants have not yet discovered any chains that can fetter the mind.

Contemporaries appreciate the person rather than their merit, posterity will regard the merit rather than the person.

Make no enemies; he is insignificant indeed that can do thee no harm.

Vice has more martyrs than virtue; and it often happens that men suffer more to be lost than to be saved.