A tutor should not be continually thundering instruction into the ears of his pupil, as if he were pouring it through a funnel, but, after having put the lad, like a young horse, on a trot, before him, to observe his paces, and see what he is able to perform, should, according to the extent of his capacity, induce him to taste, to distinguish, and to find out things for himself; sometimes opening the way, at other times leaving it for him to open; and by abating or increasing his own pace, accommodate his precepts to the capacity of his pupil.

It is a stupid presumption to go about despising and condemning as false anything that seems to us improbable; this is a common fault in those who think they have more intelligence than the crowd.

Honesty is a question of right and wrong, not a matter of policy

The good opinion of the vulgar is injurious.

The lack of wealth is easily repaired but the poverty of the soul is irreplaceable.

Oh these foolish men! They could not create so much as a worm, but they create gods by the dozens.

We are more unhappy to see people ahead of us than happy to see people behind us.