The true genius is a mind of large general powers, accidentally determined to some particular direction.

As I know more of mankind I expect less of them, and am ready now to call a man a good man upon easier terms than I was formerly.

Let him that desires to see others happy, make haste to give while his gift can be enjoyed, and remember that every moment of delay takes away something from the value of his benefaction.

It was said of Euripides, that every verse was a precept; and it may be said of Shakespeare, that from his works may be collected a system of civil and economical prudence.

Marriage has many pains, but celibacy has no pleasures.

Hope is necessary in every condition. The miseries of poverty, sickness and captivity would, without this comfort, be insupportable.

If we estimate dignity by immediate usefulness, agriculture is undoubtedly the first and noblest science.