Irresolution and mutability are often the faults of men whose views are wide, and whose imagination is vigorous and excursive.

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.

It is strange that there should be so little reading in the world, and so much writing. People in general do not willingly read, if they can have any thing else to amuse them.

Unintelligible language is a lantern without a light.

It is wonderful when a calculation is made, how little the mind is actually employed in the discharge of any profession.

The applause of a single human being is of great consequence.

All wonder is the effect of novelty on ignorance.