He that borrows the aid of an equal understanding doubles his own; he that uses that of a superior elevates his own to the stature of that he contemplates.

Man acts from adequate motives relative to his interest, and not on metaphysical speculations.

Fiction lags after truth, invention is unfruitful, and imagination cold and barren.

Knowledge of those unalterable Relations which Providence has ordained that every thing should bear to every other...To these we should conform in good Earnest; and not think to force Nature, and the whole Order of her System, by a Compliance with our Pride, and Folly, to conform to our artificial Regulations.

There is nothing in the world really beneficial that does not lie within the reach of an informed understanding and a well-protected pursuit.

A coward's courage is in his tongue.

Society cannot exist unless a controlling power upon will and appetite be placed somewhere, and the less of it there is within, the more there must be without.