The English laws punish vice; the Chinese laws do more, they reward virtue.

Fear guides more to their duty than gratitude; for one man who is virtuous from the love of virtue, from the obligation he thinks he lies under to the Giver of all, there are ten thousand who are good only from their apprehension of punishment.

A traveler of taste will notice that the wise are polite all over the world, but the fool only at home.

To the last moment of his breath, On hope the wretch relies; And even the pang preceding death Bids expectation rise.

A great source of calamity lies in regret and anticipation; therefore a person is wise who thinks of the present alone, regardless of the past or future.

Truth from his lips prevailed with double sway, and fools, who came to scoff, remained to pray.

Nothing is so contemptible as that affectation of wisdom, which some display, by universal incredulity.