It is remarkable with what Christian fortitude and resignation we can bear the suffering of other folks.

Small causes are sufficient to make a man uneasy, when great ones are not in the way: for want of a block he will stumble at a straw.

I never knew a man come to greatness or eminence who lay abed late in the morning.

When we are old, our friends find it difficult to please us, and are less concerned whether we be pleased or not.

Brisk talkers are usually slow thinkers. There is, indeed, no wild beast more to be dreaded than a communicative man having nothing to communicate. If you are civil to the voluble they will abuse your patience; if brusque, your character.

If it were a rainy day, a drunken vigil, a fit of the spleen, a course of physic, sleepy Sunday, an ill run at dice, a long tailor's bill, a beggar's purse, a factious head, a hot sun, costive diet, want of books, and a just contempt for learning - but for these. . .the number of authors and of writing would dwindle away to a degree most woeful to behold.

The latter part of a wise person's life is occupied with curing the follies, prejudices and false opinions they contracted earlier.