Whether the events in our life are good or bad, greatly depends on the way we perceive them.

In my opinion, the most fruitful and natural play of the mind is conversation. I find it sweeter than any other action in life; and if I were forced to choose, I think I would rather lose my sight than my hearing and voice. The study of books is a drowsy and feeble exercise which does not warm you up.

Life itself is neither a good nor an evil: life is where good or evil find a place, depending on how you make it for them.

Things seem greater by imagination than they are in effect.

If you want it to be so, history can be a waste of time; it can also be, if you want it to be so, a study bearing fruit beyond price.

I would have every man write what he knows and no more.

The perpetual work of your life is but to lay the foundation of death.