[T]here are depths of thousands of miles which are hidden from our inquiry. The only tidings we have from those unfathomable regions are by means of volcanoes, those burning mountains that seem to discharge their materials from the lowest abysses of the earth.

Both wit and understanding are trifles without integrity; it is that which gives value to every character. The ignorant peasant, without fault, is greater than the philosopher with many; for what is genius or courage without a heart?

The genteel thing is the genteel thing any time, if as be that a gentleman bees in a concatenation accordingly.

The way to acquire lasting esteem is not by the fewness of a writer's faults, but the greatness of his beauties, and our noblest works are generally most replete with both.

One man is born with a silver spoon in his mouth, and the other with a wooden ladle.

A volcano may be considered as a cannon of immense size.

Conscience is a coward, and those faults it has not strength enough to prevent it seldom has justice enough to accuse.