We must not let go manifest truths because we cannot answer all questions about them.

By reading a man does, as it were, antedate his life, and make himself contemporary with the ages past; and this way of running up beyond one's nativity is better than Plato's pre-existence.

Books support us in our solitude and keep us from being a burden to ourselves.

Dependence goes somewhat against the grain of a generous mind; and it is no wonder that it should do so, considering the unreasonable advantage which is often taken of the inequality of fortune.

It is a difficult task to talk to the purpose, and to put life and perspicuity into our discourse.

Perpetual pushing and assurance put a difficulty out of countenance and make a seeming difficulty gives way.

Those who despise fame seldom deserve it. We are apt to undervalue the purchase we cannot reach, to conceal our poverty the better. It is a spark which kindles upon the best fuel, and burns brightest in the bravest breast.