A maxim in law has more weight in the world than an article of faith.

It is as hard to satirize well a man of distinguished vices, as to praise well a man of distinguished virtues.

How often do we contradict the right rules of reason in the whole course of our lives! Reason itself is true and just, but the reason of every particular man is weak and wavering, perpetually swayed and turned by his interests, his passions, and his vices.

We have enough religion to make us hate, but not enough to make us love one another.

Story-telling is subject to two unavoidable defects,--frequent repetition and being soon exhausted; so that, whoever values this gift in himself, has need of a good memory, and ought frequently to shift his company.

Pride, ill nature, and want of sense, are the three great sources of ill manners.

Great abilities, when employed as God directs, do but make the owners of them greater and more painful servants to their neighbors.