All men are partially buried in the grave of custom, and of some we see only the crown of the head above ground. Better are the physically dead, for they more lively rot. Even virtue is no longer such if it be stagnant. A man's life should be constantly as fresh as this river. It should be the same channel, but a new water every instant.

Resign yourself to the influence of the earth.

Do not engage to find things as you think they are.

Alas! the culture of an Irishman is an enterprise to be undertaken with a sort of moral bog hoe.

I always see those of whom I have heard well with a slight disappointment. They are so much better than the great herd, and yet the heavens are not shivered into diamonds over their heads.

A fact may blossom into a truth.

What a glorious time they must have in that wilderness, far from mankind and election day!