All theory is against free will; all experience is for it.

The faults of a writer of acknowledged excellence are more dangerous, because the influence of his example is more extensive; and the interest of learning requires that they should be discovered and stigmatized, before they have the sanction of antiquity conferred upon them, and become precedents of indisputable authority.

The truly strong and sound mind is the mind that can embrace equally great things and small.

More is learned in a public than in a private school, from emulation. There is the collision of mind with mind, or the radiation of many minds pointing to one center.

Life must be filled up, and the man who is not capable of intellectual pleasures must content himself with such as his senses can afford.

Resolve not to be poor: whatever you have, spend less. Poverty is a great enemy to human happiness; it certainly destroys liberty, and it makes some virtues impracticable, and others extremely difficult.

Gratitude is a fruit of great cultivation; you do not find it among gross people.