Unless the habit leads to happiness the best habit is to contract none.

The ill usage of every minute is a new record against us in heaven.

In the sallies of badinage a polite fool shines; but in gravity he is as awkward as an elephant disporting.

The man whose bosom neither riches nor luxury nor grandeur can render happy may, with a book in his hand, forget all his torments under the friendly shade of every tree; and experience pleasures as infinite as they are varied, as pure as they are lasting, as lively as they are unfading, and as compatible with every public duty as they are contributory to private happiness.

Books afford the surest relief in the most melancholy moments.

In fame's temple there is always a niche to be found for rich dunces, importunate scoundrels, or successful butchers of the human race.

Many species of wit are quite mechanical; these are the favorites of witlings, whose fame in words scarce outlives the remembrance of their funeral ceremonies.