We trouble our life by thoughts about death, and our death by thoughts about life.

Truth and reason are common to everyone, and are no more his who spake them first than his who speaks them after.

Ignorance is the softest pillow on which a man can rest his head.

I would rather produce my passions than brood over them at my expense; they grow languid when they have vent and expression. It is better that their point should operate outwardly than be turned against us.

Knowledge is an excellent drug; but no drug has virtue enough to preserve itself from corruption and decay, if the vessel be tainted and impure wherein it is put to keep.

Excellent memories are often coupled with feeble judgments.

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.