Pleasure and pain spring not so much from the nature of things, as from our manner of considering them. Pleasure, especially, is never an invariable effect of particular circumstances.

Fame - a few words upon a tombstone, and the truth of those not to be depended on.

Common sense, alas in spite of our educational institutions, is a rare commodity.

An eager pursuit of fortune is inconsistent with a severe devotion to truth. The heart must grow tranquil before the thought can become searching.

Tears are nature's lotion for the eyes. The eyes see better for being washed by them.

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

Genius makes its observations in short-hand; talent writes them out at length.