Benevolent desires, after passing a certain point, can not undertake their own fulfillment without incurring the risk of evils beyond those sought to be remedied.

The result of civilization, at the Sandwich Islands and elsewhere, is found productive to the civilizers, destructive to the civilizees. It is said to be compensation--a very philosophical word; but it appears to be very much on the principle of the old game, "You lose, I win": good philosophy for the winner.

...The silent reminiscence of hardships departed, is sweeter than the presence of delight.

The sweetest joys of life grow in the very jaws of its perils.

The world is forever babbling of originality; but there never yet was an original man, in the sense intended by the world; the first man himself--who according to the Rabbins was also the first author--not being an original; the only original author being God.

It is the easiest thing in the world for a man to look as if he had a great secret in him.

Let us only hate hatred; and once give love a play, we will fall in love with a unicorn.