I think I love most people best when they are in adversity; for pity is one of my prevailing passions.

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 conduct and manners of women, in fact, evidently prove that their minds are not in a healthy state; for, like the flowers which are planted in too rich a soil, strenght state; usefulness are sacrificed to beauty; and the flaunting leaves, after having pleased a fastidious eye, fade, disregarded on the stalk, long before the season when they ought to have arrived at maturity.

From the respect paid to property flow, as from a poisoned fountain, most of the evils and vices which render this world such a dreary scene to the contemplative mind.

The most perfect education ... is such an exercise of the understanding as is best calculated to strengthen the body and form the heart. Or, in other words, to enable the individual to attain such habits of virtue as will render it independent.

Good habits, imperceptibly fixed, are far preferable to the precepts of reason.

The endeavor to keep alive any hoary establishment beyond its natural date is often pernicious and always useless.