A man of genius has been seldom ruined but by himself.

In civilized society external advantages make us more respected. A man with a good coat upon his back meets with a better reception than he who has a bad one. You may analyze this and say, What is there in it? But that will avail you nothing, for it is a part of a general system.

Difficult do you call it, Sir? I wish it were impossible.

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

Leave to Heaven the measure and the choice.

Men who stand in the highest ranks of society seldom hear of their faults; if by any accident an opprobrious clamour reaches their ears, flattery is always at hand to pour in her opiates, to quiet conviction and obtund remorse.

Some desire is necessary to keep life in motion, and he whose real wants are supplied must admit those of fancy.