None of the projects or designs which exercise the mind of man are equally subject to obstructions and disappointments with the pursuit of fame.

Every old man complains of the growing depravity of the world, of the petulance and insolence of the rising generation.

The eye of the mind, like that of the body, can only extend its view to new objects, by losing sight of those which are now before it.

One of the aged greatest miseries is that they cannot easily find a companion able to share the memories of the past.

Some have little power to do good, and have likewise little strength to resist evil.

Though it is evident, that not more than one age or people can deserve the censure of being more averse from learning than any other, yet at all times knowledge must have encountered impediments, and wit been mortified with contempt, or harassed with persecution.

Everything that enlarges the sphere of human powers, that shows man he can do what he thought he could not do, is valuable.