Avarice is generally the last passion of those lives of which the first part has been squandered in pleasure, and the second devoted to ambition. He that sinks under the fatigue of getting wealth, lulls his age with the milder business of saving it

Poverty has, in large cities, very different appearances; it is often concealed in splendour, and often in extravagance.

He that wishes to see his country robbed of its rights cannot be a patriot.

An author places himself uncalled before the tribunal of criticism and solicits fame at the hazard of disgrace.

I am always for getting a boy forward in his learning, for that is sure good. I would let him at first read any English book which happens to engage his attention; because you have done a great deal when you have brought him to have entertainment from a book. He'll get better books afterwards.

Among the lower classes of mankind there will be found very little desire of any other knowledge than what may contribute immediately to the relief of some pressing uneasiness, or the attainment of some near advantage.

A book should teach us to enjoy life, or to endure it.