I do not speak the minds of others except to speak my own mind better.

It is far more probable that our senses should deceive us, than that an old woman should be carried up a chimney on a broom stick; and that it is far less astonishing that witnesses should lie, than that witches should perform the acts that were alleged.

Those things that are dearest to us have cost us the most.

There is a huge gulf between the man who follows the conventions and laws of his country and the man who sets out to regiment them and to change them.

An able reader often discovers in other people's writings perfections beyond those that the author put in or perceived, and lends them richer meanings and aspects.

Cowardice is the mother of cruelty.

Who is only good that others may know it, and that he may be the better esteemed when 'tis known, who will do well but upon condition that his virtue may be known to men, is one from whom much service is not to be expected.