Flattery is an ensnaring quality, and leaves a very dangerous impression. It swells a man's imagination, entertains his vanity, and drives him to a doting upon his own person.

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

Truth is the band of union and the basis of human happiness. Without this virtue there is no reliance upon language, no confidence in friendship, no security in promises and oaths.

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

He that would be a master must draw from the life as well as copy from originals, and join theory and experience together.

True courage is the result of reasoning. A brave mind is always impregnable.

Envy, like a cold prison, benumbs and stupefies; and, conscious of its own impotence, folds its arms in despair.