Whatever withdraws us from the power of our senses; whatever makes the past, the distant, or the future, predominate over the present, advances us in the dignity of thinking beings. Far from me, and far from my friends be such frigid philosophy as may conduct us indifferent and unmoved over any ground which has been dignified by wisdom, bravery, or virtue. That man is little to be envied whose patriotism would not gain force upon the plain of Marathon, or whose piety would not grow warmer among the ruins of Ionia.

If you are idle, be not solitary; if you are solitary be not idle.

Gayety is to good-humor as perfumes to vegetable fragrance: the one overpowers weak spirits; the other recreates and revives them.

Subordination tends greatly to human happiness. Were we all upon an equality, we should have no other enjoyment than mere animal pleasure.

Great abilities are not requisite for an Historian; for in historical composition, all the greatest powers of the human mind are quiescent.

I also admit, that there are some sluggish men who are improved by drinking; as there are fruits which are not good till they are rotten.

Tears are often to be found where there is little sorrow, and the deepest sorrow without any tears.