Modesty teaches us to speak of the ancients with respect, especially when we are not very familiar with their works. Newton, who knew them practically by heart, had the greatest respect for them, and considered them to be men of genius and superior intelligence who had carried their discoveries in every field much further than we today suspect, judging from what remains of their writings. More ancient writings have been lost than have been preserved, and perhaps our new discoveries are of less value than those that we have lost.
Francis AtterburyFrom mere success nothing can be concluded in favor of any nation upon whom it is bestowed.
Francis AtterburyFew consider how much we are indebted to government, because few can represent how wretched mankind would be without it.
Francis AtterburyA good character when established should not be rested in as an end, but only employed as a means of doing still further good.
Francis Atterbury