Some authors regard morality in the same light as we regard modern architecture. Convenience is the first thing to be looked for.

Hope animates the wise, and lures the presumptuous and indolent who repose inconsiderately on her promises.

Men despise great projects when they do not feel themselves capable of great successes.

We can console ourselves for not having great talents as we console ourselves for not having great places. We can be above both in our hearts.

Activity makes more men's fortunes than cautiousness.

It is good to be firm by temperament and pliant by reflection.

We ought never to be afraid to repeat an ancient truth, when we feel that we can make it more striking by a neater turn, or bring it alongside of another truth, which may make it clearer, and thereby accumulate evidence. It belongs to the inventive faculty to see clearly the relative state of things, and to be able to place them in connection; but the discoveries of ages gone by belong less to their first authors than to those who make them practically useful to the world.