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.

There may be community of material possessions, but there can never be community of love or esteem.

Rags will always make their appearance where they have a right to do it.

When the eye or the imagination is struck with an uncommon work, the next transition of an active mind is to the means by which it was performed

A man, doubtful of his dinner, or trembling at a creditor, is not much disposed to abstracted meditation, or remote enquiries.

Every man is prompted by the love of himself to imagine that he possesses some qualities, superior, either in kind or degree, to those which he sees allotted to the rest of the world; and, whatever apparent disadvantages he may suffer in the comparison with others, he has some invisible distinctions, some latent reserve of excellence, which he throws into the balance, and by which he generally fancies that it is turned in his favour.

The real satisfaction which praise can afford, is when what is repeated aloud agrees with the whispers of conscience, by showing us that we have not endeavored to deserve well in vain.