Happiness is that single and glorious thing which is the very light and sun of the whole animated universe; and where she is not it were better that nothing should be.

Speaking generally, no man appears great to his contemporaries, for the same reason that no man is great to his servants--both know too much of him.

It is not so difficult a task to plant new truths, as to root out old errors; for there is this paradox in men, they run after that which is new, but are prejudiced in favor of that which is old.

It is far better to borrow experience than to buy it.

The seat of perfect contentment is in the head; for every individual is thoroughly satisfied with his own proportion of brains.

Theories are private property, but truth is common stock.

We often pretend to fear what we really despise, and more often despise what we really fear.