I don't think people are born artists; I think it comes from a mixture of your surroundings, the people you meet, and luck.

A man must make his opportunity, as oft as find it.

The human understanding is no dry light, but receives an infusion from the will and affections... What a man had rather were true he more readily believes.

Truth ... is the sovereign good of human nature.

Certainly, it is heaven upon earth, to have a man's mind move in charity, rest in providence, and turn upon the poles of truth.

Mysteries are due to secrecy.

It is the true office of history to represent the events themselves, together with the counsels, and to leave the observations and conclusions thereupon to the liberty and faculty of every man's judgment