Maxims are to the intellect what laws are to actions; they do not enlighten, but they guide and direct, and, although themselves blind, are protective.

Genius begins beautiful works, but only labor finishes them.

Only just the right quantum of wit should be put into a book; in conversation a little excess is allowable.

Antiquity! I like its ruins better than its reconstructions.

In these times gain is not only a matter of greed, but of ambition.

I would fain coin wisdom,—mould it, I mean, into maxims, proverbs, sentences, that can easily be retained and transmitted. Would that I could denounce and banish from the language of men—as base money—the words by which they cheat and are cheated!

When you give, give with joy and smiling.