The world - this shadow of the soul, or other me - lies wide around. Its attractions are the keys which unlock my thoughts and make me acquainted with myself. I run eagerly into this resounding tumult... So much only of life as I know by experience... The true scholar grudges every opportunity of action past by, as a loss of power.

Sugar is not so sweet to the palate as sound to the healthy ear.

Wit makes its own welcome, and levels all distinction. No dignity, no learning, no force of character, can make any stand against good wit. It is like ice, on which no beauty of form, no majesty of carriage, can plead any immunity; they must walk gingerly, according to the laws of ice, or down they must go, dignity and all.

A friend may well be reckoned the masterpiece of nature.

The resources of the scholar are proportioned to his confidence in the attributes of the intellect.

There is nothing in history to parallel the influence of Jesus Christ.

The love of novels is the preference of sentiment to the senses.