Self-conceit is a weighty quality, and will sometimes bring down the scale when there is nothing else in it. It magnifies a fault beyond proportion, and swells every omission into an outrage.

Dangerous principles impose upon our understanding, emasculate our spirits, and spoil our temper.

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

Knowledge is the consequence of time, and multitude of days are fittest to teach wisdom.

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.

People that have nothing to do are quickly tired of their own company.

Despair makes a despicable figure, and descends from a mean original. 'Tis the offspring of fear, of laziness and impatience; it argues a defect of spirit and resolution, and oftentimes of honesty, too. I would not despair unless I saw misfortune recorded in the book of fate, and signed and sealed by necessity.