A fishing rod is a stick with a hook at one end and a fool at the other.

Curiosity, like all other desires, produces pain as well as pleasure.

Piety practiced in solitude, like the flower that blooms in the desert, may give its fragrance to the winds of heaven, and delight those unbodied spirits that survey the works of God and the actions of men; but it bestows no assistance upon earthly beings, and however free from taints of impurity, yet wants the sacred splendor of beneficence.

Prudence operates on life in the same manner as rule of composition; it produces vigilance rather than elevation; rather prevents loss than procures advantage; and often miscarriages, but seldom reaches either power or honor.

He who endeavors to please must appear pleased.

Bounty always receives part of its value from the manner in which it is bestowed.

We never do anything consciously for the last time without sadness of heart.