Knowledge is more than equivalent to force. The master of mechanics laughs at strength.

The task of an author is, either to teach what is not known, or to recommend known truths by his manner of adorning them; either to let new light in upon the mind, and open new scenes to the prospect, or to vary the dress and situation of common objects, so as to give them fresh grace and more powerful attractions, to spread such flowers over the regions through which the intellect has already made its progress, as may tempt it to return, and take a second view of things hastily passed over, or negligently regarded.

A soldier's time is passed in distress and danger, or in idleness and corruption.

To talk in public, to think in solitude, to read and to hear, to inquire and answer inquiries, is the business of the scholar

Surely a long life must be somewhat tedious, since we are forced to call in so many trifling things to help rid us of our time, which will never return.

He who writes much will not easily escape a manner, such a recurrence of particular modes as may be easily noted.

The mere power of saving what is already in our hands must be of easy acquisition to every mind; and as the example of Lord Bacon may show that the highest intellect cannot safely neglect it, a thousand instances every day prove that the humblest may practise it with success.