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

I admire the assurance and confidence everyone has in himself, whereas there is hardly anything I am sure I know or that I dare give my word I can do.

Pythagoras used to say that life resembles the Olympic Games: a few people strain their muscles to carry off a prize; others bring trinkets to sell to the crowd for gain; and some there are, and not the worst, who seek no other profit than to look at the show and see how and why everything is done; spectators of the life of other people in order to judge and regulate their own.

It is easier to write an indifferent poem than to understand a good one.

He who is not sure of his memory, should not undertake the trade of lying.

There is a certain amount of purpose, acquiescence, and satisfaction in nursing one's melancholy.

To smell, though well, is to stink.