Self-love is, in almost all men, such an over-weight that they are incredulous of a man's habitual preference of the general good to his own; but when they see it proved by sacrifices of ease, wealth, rank, and of life itself, there is no limit to their admiration.

I know and see too well, when not voluntarily blind, the speedy limits opersons called high and worthy.

Man is the broken giant, and in all his weakness both his body and his mind are invigorated by habits of conversation with nature.

There are three wants which never can be satisfied: that of the rich, who wants something more; that of the sick, who wants something different; and that of the traveler, who says anywhere but here.

If you put a chain around the neck of a slave, the other end fastens itself around your own.

Steam was till the other day the devil which we dreaded. Every pot made by any human potter or brazier had a hole in its cover, to let off the enemy, lest he should lift pot and roof and carry the house away.

I read the other day some verses written by an eminent painter which were original and not conventional.