A writer only begins a book. A reader finishes it.

To proportion the eagerness of contest to its importance seems too hard a task for human wisdom. The pride of wit has kept ages busy in the discussion of useless questions, and the pride of power has destroyed armies, to gain or to keep unprofitable possessions.

In matters of business, no woman stops at integrity.

He who would govern his actions by the laws of virtue must regulate his thoughts by those of reason.

To do something is in every man's power.

As all error is meanness, it is incumbent on every man who consults his own dignity, to retract it as soon as he discovers it.

I do not much wish well to discoveries, for I am always afraid they will end in conquest and robbery.