Nothing is so rash as fear; and the counsels of pusillanimity very rarely put off, whilst they are always sure to aggravate, the evils from which they would fly.

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

The same sun which gilds all nature, and exhilarates the whole creation, does not shine upon disappointed ambition.

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.

The greatest crimes do not arise from a want of feeling for others but from an over-sensibilit y for ourselves and an over-indulgence to our own desires

Society can overlook murder, adultery or swindling; it never forgives preaching of a new gospel.

The great Error of our Nature is, not to know where to stop, not to be satisfied with any reasonable Acquirement; not to compound with our Condition; but to lose all we have gained by an insatiable Pursuit after more.