There is a genius of a nation, which is not to be found in the numerical citizens, but which characterizes the society.

Bad times have a scientific value. These are occasions a good learner would not miss.

The secret of ugliness consists not in irregularity, but in being uninteresting.

Sentimentalists ... adopt whatever merit is in good repute, and almost make it hateful with their praise. The warmer their expressions, the colder we feel.... Cure the drunkard, heal the insane, mollify the homicide, civilize the Pawnee, but what lessons can be devised for the debauchee of sentiment?

There is a capacity of virtue in us, and there is a capacity of vice to make your blood creep.

Fear always springs from ignorance.

Tis the good reader that makes the good book; in every book he finds passages which seem confidences or asides hidden from all else and unmistakenly meant for his ear; the profit of books is according to the sensibility of the reader; the profoundest thought or passion sleeps as in a mine, until it is discovered by an equal mind and heart.