To compose our character is our duty, not to compose books, and to win, not battles and provinces, but order and tranquillity in our conduct.

We have more poets than judges and interpreters of poetry. It is easier to write an indifferent poem than to understand a good one. There is, indeed, a certain low and moderate sort of poetry, that a man may well enough judge by certain rules of art; but the true, supreme, and divine poesy is equally above all rules and reason. And whoever discerns the beauty of it with the most assured and most steady sight sees no more than the quick reflection of a flash of lightning.

Courtesy is a science of the highest importance. It is...opening a door that we may derive instruction from the example of others, and at the same time enabling us to benefit them by our example, if there be anything in our character worthy of imitation.

A straight oar looks bent in the water. It matters not merely that we see a thing, but how we see it.

No wonder, said an Ancient, that chance has so much power over us, since it is by chance that we live.

We wake sleeping, and sleep waking. I do not see so clearly in my sleep; but as to my being awake, I never found it clear enough and free from clouds.

Tis faith alone that vividly and certainly comprehends the deep mysteries of our religion.