Be not too hasty to trust or to admire the teachers of morality; they discourse like angels, but they live like men.

It is to be steadily inculcated, that virtue is the highest proof of understanding, and the only solid basis of greatness.

The superiority of some men is merely local. They are great because their associates are little.

Pity is not natural to man. Children are always cruel. Savages are always cruel. Pity is acquired and improved by the cultivation of reason. We may have uneasy sensations from seeing a creature in distress, without pity; for we have not pity unless we wish to relieve them.

A family ... is a little kingdom, torn with factions and exposed to revolutions.

Affectation naturally counterfeits those excellences which are placed at the greatest distance from possibility of attainment, because, knowing our own defects, we eagerly endeavor to supply them with artificial excellence.

If we consider the manner in which those who assume the office of directing the conduct of others execute their undertaking, it will not be very wonderful that their labours, however zealous or affectionate, are frequently useless. For what is the advice that is commonly given? A few general maxims, enforced with vehemence, and inculcated with importunity, but failing for want of particular reference and immediate application.