Sorrow is properly that state of the mind in which our desires are fixed upon the past without looking forward to the future.

Instead of rating the man by his performances, we rate too frequently the performances by the man.

A married man has many cares, but a bachelor no pleasures.

Every man speaks and writes with intent to be understood; and it can seldom happen but he that understands himself might convey his notions to another, if, content to be understood, he did not seek to be admired.

A few men are sufficient to broach falsehoods, which are afterwards innocently diffused by successive relaters.

History can be formed from permanent monuments and records; but lives can only be written from personal knowledge, which is growing every day less, and in a short time is lost forever.

Courage is the greatest of all virtues, because if you haven't courage, you may not have an opportunity to use any of the others.