A plodding diligence brings us sooner to our journey's end than a fluttering way of advancing by starts.

To be longing for this thing to-day and for that thing to-morrow; to change likings for loathings, and to stand wishing and hankering at a venture--how is it possible for any man to be at rest in this fluctuant, wandering humor and opinion?

Tis not necessity, but opinion, that makes men miserable; and when we come to be fancy-sick, there's no cure.

Much tongue and much judgment seldom go together.

The blessings of fortune are the lowest; the next are the bodily advantages of strength and health; but the superlative blessings, in fine, are those of the mind.

It is not the place, nor the condition, but the mind alone what it compares its situation to that can make anyone happy or miserable. Compare it to something better - result envy, frustration and sadness. Compare it to something worse - relief, gratitude and happiness.

Some natures are so sour and ungrateful that they are never to be obliged.