Remember, as long as you live, that nothing but strict truth can carry you through the world, with either your conscience or your honor unwounded.

I am in the pitiable situation of feeling all the force of temptation without having the strength to succumb to it.

Real merit of any kind cannot long be concealed; it will be discovered, and nothing can depreciate it but a man exhibiting it himself. It may not always be rewarded as it ought; but it will always be known.

Know the true value of time; snatch, seize, and enjoy every moment of it.

I am not of the opinion generally entertained in this country [England], that man lives by Greek and Latin alone; that is, by knowing a great many words of two dead languages, which nobody living knows perfectly, and which are of no use in the common intercourse of life. Useful knowledge, in my opinion, consists of modern languages, history, and geography; some Latin may be thrown into the bargain, in compliance with custom, and for closet amusement.

Since attaining the full use of my reason no one has ever heard me laugh.

Buy good books, and read them; the best books are the commonest, and the last editions are always the best, if the editors are not blockheads.