It is not the most distinguished achievements that men's virtues or vices may be best discovered; but very often an action of small note. An casual remark or joke shall distinguish a person's real character more than the greatest sieges, or the most important battles.

A few vices are sufficient to darken many virtues.

To be ignorant of the lives of the most celebrated men of antiquity is to continue in a state of childhood all our days.

Talkativeness has another plague attached to it, even curiosity; for praters wish to hear much that they may have much to say.

There is no debt with so much prejudice put off as that of justice.

Prosperity has this property, it puffs up narrow Souls, makes them imagine themselves high and mighty, and look down upon the World with Contempt; but a truly noble and resolved Spirit appears greatest in Distress, and then becomes more bright and conspicuous.

Moral good is a practical stimulus; it is no sooner seen than it inspires an impulse to practice.