Sciences may be learned by rote, but wisdom not.

In solitude the mind gains strength, and learns to lean upon herself; in the world it seeks or accepts of a few treacherous supports--the feigned compassion of one, the flattery of a second, the civilities of a third, the friendship of a fourth--they all deceive, and bring the mind back to retirement, reflection, and books.

Keep away from the fire!

To write a book is for all the world like humming a song—be but in tune with yourself, madam, 'tis no matter how high or how low you take it.

If a man has a right to be proud of anything, it is of a good action done as it ought to be, without any base interest lurking at the bottom of it.

We are born to trouble; and we may depend upon it, whilst we live in this world, we shall have it, though with intermissions.

Whatever stress some may lay upon it, a death-bed repentance is but a weak and slender plank to trust our all on.