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.

We aim above the mark to hit the mark.

Only an inventor knows how to borrow, and every man is or should be an inventor.

The finest poems of the world have been expedients to get bread.

The philosophy of waiting is sustained by all the oracles of the universe.

Live in the fields, and God will give you lectures on natural philosophy every day.

The religion that is afraid of science dishonors God and commits suicide. Every influx of atheism, of skepticism, is thus made useful as a mercury pill assaulting and removing a diseased religion, and making way for truth.