We are much beholden to Machiavel and others, that write what men do, and not what they ought to do.

It is nothing won to admit men with an open door, and to receive them with a shut and reserved countenance.

Choose the life that is most useful, and habit will make it the most agreeable.

I have to hope that my instincts will do the right thing, because I can't erase what I have done. And if I drew something first, then my paintings would be illustrations of drawings.

Mysteries are due to secrecy.

It is idle to expect any great advancement in science from the superinducing and engrafting of new things upon old. We must begin anew from the very foundations, unless we would revolve for ever in a circle with mean and contemptible progress.

Judges ought above all to remember the conclusion of the Roman Twelve Tables :The supreme law of all is the weal [weatlh/ well-being] of the people.