Learning is not to be tacked to the mind, but we must fuse and blend them together, not merely giving the mind a slight tincture, but a thorough and perfect dye. And if we perceive no evident change and improvement, it would be better to leave it alone; learning is a dangerous weapon, and apt to wound its master if it be wielded by a feeble hand, and by one not well acquainted with its use.

Man (in good earnest) is a marvellous vain, fickle, and unstable subject, and on whom it is very hard to form any certain and uniform judgment.

There is nothing useless in nature; not even uselessness itself

The most regular and most perfect soul in the world has but too much to do to keep itself upright from being overthrown by its own weakness.

Praise is always pleasing, let it come from whom, or upon what account it will.

When I play with my cat, who knows whether she is not amusing herself with me more than I with her.

It is easier to sacrifice great than little things.