In science, reason is the guide; in poetry, taste. The object of the one is truth, which is uniform and indivisible; the object of the other is beauty, which is multiform and varied.

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

For one man who sincerely pities our misfortunes, there are a thousand who sincerely hate our success.

He that studies books alone, will know how things ought to be; and he that studies men, will know how things are.

It is far more easy to acquire a fortune like a knave, than to expend it, like a gentleman.

As there are none so weak that we may venture to injure them with impunity, so there are none so low that they may not at some time be able to repay an obligation. Therefore, what benevolence would dictate, prudence would confirm.

When all moves equally (says Pascal), nothing seems to move as in a vessel under sail; and when all run by common consent into vice, none appear to do so. He that stops first, views as from a fixed point the horrible extravagance that transports the rest.