We love to overlook the boundaries which we do not wish to pass.

It is not possible to be regarded with tenderness, except by a few. That merit which gives greatness and renown diffuses its influence to a wide compass, but acts weakly on every single breast; it is placed at a distance from common spectators, and shines like one of the remote stars, of which the light reaches us, but not the heat.

In all political regulations, good cannot be complete, it can only be predominant.

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

If a man is in doubt whether it would be better for him to expose himself to martyrdom or not, he should not do it. He must be convinced that he has a delegation from heaven.

As I know more of mankind I expect less of them, and am ready now to call a man a good man upon easier terms than I was formerly.

It is not often that any man can have so much knowledge of another, as is necessary to make instruction useful.