Those beings only are fit for solitude who are like nobody, and are liked by nobody.

Never lose sight of this important truth, that no one can be truly great until he has gained a knowledge of himself, a knowledge which can only be acquired by occasional retirement.

Nobility should be elective, not hereditary.

Books afford the surest relief in the most melancholy moments.

It would be a considerable consolation to the poor and discontented could they but see the means whereby the wealth they covet has been acquired, or the misery that it entails.

Those beings only are fit for solitude who are like nobody, and are liked by nobody.

The lust of dominion innovates so imperceptibly that we become complete despots before our wanton abuse of power is perceived; the tyranny first exercised in the nursery is exhibited in various shapes and degrees in every stage of our existence.