It is not sufficiently considered in the hour of exultation, that all human excellence is comparative; that no man performs much but in proportion to what other accomplish, or to the time and opportunities which have been allowed him.

Man, unlike the animals, has never learned that the sole purpose of life is to enjoy it.

The public buys its opinions as it buys its meat, or takes in its milk, on the principle that it is cheaper to do this than to keep a cow. So it is, but the milk is more likely to be watered.

It is death, and not what comes after death, that men are generally afraid of.

An obstinate man does not hold opinions, but they hold him; for when he is once possessed with an error, it is, like a devil, only cast out with great difficulty.

He was born stupid, and greatly increased his birthright.

How often do we not see children ruined through the virtues, real or supposed, of their parents?