It generally happens that assurance keeps an even pace with ability.

Power is gradually stealing away from the many to the few, because the few are more vigilant and consistent.

I am not so lost in lexicography as to forget that words are the daughters of earth, and that things are the sons of heaven.

It is dangerous for mortal beauty, or terrestrial virtue, to be examined by too strong a light. The torch of Truth shows much that we cannot, and all that we would not, see.

Cautious age suspects the flattering form, and only credits what experience tells.

It is very strange, and very melancholy, that the paucity of human pleasures should persuade us ever to call hunting one of them.

Remember that nothing will supply the want of prudence, and that negligence and irregularity long continued will make knowledge useless, wit ridiculous, and genius contemptible.