The mind is seldom quickened to very vigorous operations but by pain, or the dread of pain. We do not disturb ourselves with the detection of fallacies which do us no harm.

Truth, Sir, is a cow which will yield such people no more milk, and so they are gone to milk the bull.

A writer only begins a book. A reader finishes it.

When emulation leads us to strive for self-elevation by merit alone, and not by belittling another, then it is one of the grandest possible incentives to action.

As the greatest liar tells more truths than falsehoods, so may it be said of the worst man, that he does more good than evil.

Cunning differs from wisdom as twilight from open day.

When the original is well chosen and judiciously copied, the imitator often arrives at excellence which he could never have attained without direction; for few are formed with abilities to discover new possibilities of excellence, and to distinguish themselves by means never tried before.