Most men are unwilling to be taught.

There is no temper more unpropitious to interest than desultory application and unlimited inquiry, by which the desires are held in a perpetual equipoise, and the mind fluctuates between different purposes without determination.

Every old man complains of the growing depravity of the world, of the petulance and insolence of the rising generation.

Discord generally operates in little things; it is inflamed ... by contrariety of taste oftener than principles.

Frequent discontent must proceed from frequent hardships.

The authors that in any nation last from age to age are very few, because there are very few that have any other claim to notice than that they catch hold on present curiosity, and gratify some accidental desire, or produce some temporary conveniency.

All industry must be excited by hope.