Pedants make a great rout about criticism, as if it were a science of great depth, and required much pains and knowledge--criticism however is only the result of good sense, taste and judgment--three qualities that indeed seldom are found together, and extremely seldom in a pedant, which most critics are.

The whole secret of life is to be interested in one thing profoundly and in a thousand things well.

In science, mistakes always precede the truth

I never found even in my juvenile hours that it was necessary to go a thousand miles in search of themes for moralizing.

I avoid talking before the youth of the age as I would dancing before them: for if one's tongue don't move in the steps of the day, and thinks to please by its old graces, it is only an object of ridicule.

I firmly believe, notwithstanding all our complaints, that almost every person upon earth tastes upon the totality more happiness than misery.

To act with common sense according to the moment, is the best wisdom I know.