The chief art of learning, as Locke has observed, is to attempt but little at a time. The widest excursions of the mind are made by short flights frequently repeated; the most lofty fabrics of science are formed by the continued accumulation of single propositions.

Admiration must be continued by that novelty which first produces it; and how much soever is given, there must always be reason to imagine that more remains.

Such seems to be the disposition of man, that whatever makes a distinction produces rivalry.

A Scotchman must be a very sturdy moralist who does not love Scotland better than truth.

We may have many acquaintances, but we can have but few friends; this made Aristotle say that he that hath many friends hath none.

In his comic scenes, Shakespeare seems to produce, without labor, what no labor can improve.

Language is the dress of thought.