I fancy mankind may come, in time, to write all aphoristically, except in narrative; grow weary of preparation, and connection, and illustration, and all those arts by which a big book is made.

Parents are by no means exempt from the intoxication of dominion.

The seeds of knowledge may be planted in solitude, but must be cultivated in public.

It is wonderful to think how men of very large estates not only spend their yearly income, but are often actually in want of money. It is clear, they have not value for what they spend.

If a madman were to come into this room with a stick in his hand, no doubt we should pity the state of his mind; but our primary consideration would be to take care of ourselves. We should knock him down first, and pity him afterwards.

I am a great friend to public amusements; for they keep people from vice.

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.