As threshing separates the wheat from the chaff, so does affliction purify virtue.

It is seldom that we find out how great are our resources until we are thrown upon them.

Books are embalmed minds.

Youth is too tumultuous for felicity; old age too insecure for happiness. The period most favorable to enjoyment, in a vigorous, fortunate, and generous life, is that between forty and sixty.

There is no tyrant like custom, and no freedom where its edicts are not resisted.

The selection of a subject is to the author what choice of position is to the general,--once skilfully determined, the battle is already half won. Of a few writers it may be said that they are popular in despite of their subjects--but of a great many more it may be observed that they are popular because of them.

Qualities not regulated run into their opposites. Economy before competence is meanness after it. Therefore economy is for the poor; the rich may dispense with it.