There is nothing respecting which a man may be so long unconscious as of the extent and strength of his prejudices.

An obligation is something which constrains or induces us to act.

Derision is never so agonizing as when it pounces on the wanderings of misguided sensibility.

The disease and its medicine are like two factions in a besieged town; they tear one another to pieces, but both unite against their common enemy, Nature.

Damn the Solar System. Bad light; planets too distant; pestered with comets; feeble contrivance; could make a better myself.

The cheat ambition, eager to espouse dominion, courts it with a lying show, and shines in borrowed pomp to serve a turn.

Simplicity of manner is the last attainment. Men are very long afraid of being natural, from the dread of being taken for ordinary.