In belief lies the secret of all valuable exertion.

People who are very vain are usually equally susceptible; and they who feel one thing acutely, will so feel another.

People praise us behind our backs, but we hear them not; few before our faces, and who is not suspicious of the truth of such praise?

Personal liberty is the paramount essential to human dignity and human happiness.

Say what we will, we may be sure that ambition is an error. Its wear and tear on the heart are never recompensed.

The astronomer who catalogues the stars cannot add one atom to the universe; the poet can call an universe from the atom.

Rank is a great beautifier.