Learn from me, if not by my precepts, then by my example, how dangerous is the pursuit of knowledge and how much happier is that man who believes his native town to be the world than he who aspires to be greater than his nature will allow.

Simplicity and sincerity generally go hand in hand, as both proceed from a love of truth.

Why is our fancy to be appalled by terrific perspectives of a hell beyond the grave?

The flexible muscles growing daily more rigid give character to the countenance ; that is, they trace the operations of the mind with the iron pen of fate, and tell us not only what powers are within, but how they have been employed.

The being cannot be termed rational or virtuous, who obeys any authority, but that of reason.

I begin to love this little creature, and to anticipate his birth as a fresh twist to a knot, which I do not wish to untie.

The divine right of husbands, like the divine right of kings, may, it is hoped, in this enlightened age, be contested without danger.