From its very inaction, idleness ultimately becomes the most active cause of evil; as a palsy is more to be dreaded than a fever. The Turks have a proverb which says that the devil tempts all other men, but that idle men tempt the devil.

To dare to live alone is the rarest courage; since there are many who had rather meet their bitterest enemy in the field, than their own hearts in their closet.

Expect not praise without envy until you are dead.

There is a holy love and a holy rage, and our best virtues never glow so brightly as when our passions are excited in the cause. Sloth, if it has prevented many crimes, has also smothered many virtues; and the best of us are better when roused.

Is there anything more tedious than the often repeated tales of the old and forgetful?

Pedantry prides herself on being wrong by rules; while common sense is contented to be right without them.

Too high an appreciation of our own talents is the chief cause why experience preaches to us all in vain.