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

Men pursue riches under the idea that their possession will set them at ease, and above the world. But the law of association often makes those who begin by loving gold as a servant finish by becoming themselves its slaves; and independence without wealth is at least as common as wealth without independence.

There are only two things in which the false professors of all religions have agreed--to persecute all other sects and to plunder their own.

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

Women generally consider consequences in love, seldom in resentment.

If a horse has four legs, and I'm riding it, I think I can win.

Revenge is a much more punctual paymaster than gratitude