We never think of the main business of life till a vain repentance minds us of it at the wrong end.

Some read books only with a view to find fault, while others read only to be taught; the former are like venomous spiders, extracting a poisonous quality, where the latter, like the bees, sip out a sweet and profitable juice.

He that contemns a shrew to the degree of not descending to words with her does worse than beat her.

There is no opposing brutal force to the stratagems of human reason.

It is not the place, nor the condition, but the mind alone that can make anyone happy or miserable.

He that would live clear of envy must lay his finger on his mouth, and keep his hand out of the ink-pot.

Men are not to be judged by their looks, habits, and appearances; but by the character of their lives and conversations, and by their works.