Learning gives us a fuller conviction of the imperfections of our nature; which one would think, might dispose us to modesty.

Fortitude implies a firmness and strength of mind, that enables us to do and suffer as we ought. It rises upon an opposition, and, like a river, swells the higher for having its course stopped.

Books are a guide in youth, and an entertainment for age.

Heroes are a mischievous race.

A man that loves to be peevish and paramount, and to play the sovereign at every turn, does but blast the blessings of life, and swagger away his own enjoyments; and not to enlarge upon not folly, not to mention the injustice of such a behavior, it is always the sign of a little, unbenevolent temper. It is disease and discredit all over, and there is no more greatness in it, than in the swelling of a dropsy.

People's opinions of themselves are legible in their countenances.

Everyone has a fair turn to be as great as he pleases.