Minds that are stupid and incapable of science are in the order of nature to be regarded as monsters and other extraordinary phenomena; minds of this sort are rare. Hence I conclude that there are great resources to be found in children, which are suffered to vanish with their years. It is evident, therefore, that it is not of nature, but of our own negligence, we ought to complain.

Forbidden pleasures alone are loved immoderately; when lawful, they do not excite desire.

It is the nurse that the child first hears, and her words that he will first attempt to imitate.

Where evil habits are once settled, they are more easily broken than mended.

Ambition is a vice, but it may be the father of virtue.

Those who wish to appear learned to fools, appear as fools to the learned.

It seldom happens that a premature shoot of genius ever arrives at maturity.