Traveling through the world produces a marvelous clarity in the judgment of men. We are all of us confined and enclosed within ourselves, and see no farther than the end of our nose. This great world is a mirror where we must see ourselves in order to know ourselves. There are so many different tempers, so many different points of view, judgments, opinions, laws and customs to teach us to judge wisely on our own, and to teach our judgment to recognize its imperfection and natural weakness.

The confidence in another man's virtue is no light evidence of a man's own, and God willingly favors such a confidence.

Experience teaches that a strong memory is generally joined to a weak judgment.

We every day and every hour say things of another that we might more properly say of ourselves, could we but apply our observations to our own concerns.

I have never observed other effects of whipping than to render boys more cowardly, or more willfully obstinate.

If I am to serve as an instrument of deceit, at least let it be with a clear conscience. I do not want to be considered either so affectionate or so loyal a servant as to be found fit to betray anyone.

It has never occurred to me to wish for empire or royalty, nor for the eminence of those high and commanding fortunes. My aim lies not in that direction; I love myself too well.