Our delight in any particular study, art, or science rises and improves in proportion to the application which we bestow upon it. Thus, what was at first an exercise becomes at length an entertainment.

He who would pass his declining years with honor and comfort, should, when young, consider that he may one day become old, and remember when he is old, that he has once been young.

I... recommend to every one of my Readers, the keeping a Journal of their Lives for one Week, and setting down punctually their whole Series of Employments during that Space of Time. This kind of Self-Examination would give them a true State of themselves, and incline them to consider seriously what they are about. One Day would rectifie the Omissions of another, and make a Man weigh all those indifferent Actions, which, though they are easily forgotten, must certainly be accounted for.

Good nature is more agreeable in conversation than wit and gives a certain air to the countenance which is more amiable than beauty.

Poverty palls the most generous spirits; it cows industry, and casts resolution itself into despair.

Dependence is a perpetual call upon humanity, and a greater incitement to tenderness and pity than any other motive whatever.

It is folly to seek the approbation of any being besides the Supreme.