Strength and weakness of mind are misnomers; they are really nothing but the good or bad health of our bodily organs.

Old men delight in giving good advice as a consolation for the fact that they can no longer set bad examples.

A man often believes himself leader when he is led; as his mind endeavors to reach one goal, his heart insensibly drags him towards another.

Death, like the sun, cannot be looked at steadily.

The only thing that should astonish us is that anything can yet astonish us.

Though men are apt to flatter and exalt themselves with their great achievements, yet these are, in truth, very often owing not so much to design as chance.

Almost everyone takes pleasure in repaying trifling obligations, very many feel gratitude for those that are moderate; but there is scarcely anyone who is not ungrateful for those that are weighty.