For there is in mankind an unfortunate propensity to make themselves, their views and their works, the measure of excellence in every thing whatsoever

Learning will be cast into the mire and trodden down under the hoofs of a swinish multitude.

Men want to be reminded, who do not want to be taught; because those original ideas of rectitude to which the mind is compelled to assent when they are proposed, are not always as present to us as they ought to be.

Adversity is a severe instructor, set over us by one who knows us better than we do ourselves.

To reach the height of our ambition is like trying to reach the rainbow; as we advance it recedes.

Society is indeed a contract. ... It is a partnership in all science; a partnership in all art; a partnership in every virtue, and in all perfection.

Custom reconciles us to everything.