Books, says Lord Bacon, can never teach us the use of books; the student must learn by commerce with mankind to reduce his speculations to practice. No man should think so highly of himself as to think he can receive but little light from books; no one so meanly, as to believe he can discover nothing but what is to be learned from them.

It is generally agreed, that few men are made better by affluence or exaltation.

Pride is seldom delicate, it will please itself with very mean advantages; and envy feels not its own happiness, but when it may be compared with the misery of others

Almost every man wastes part of his life attempting to display qualities which he does not possess.

He who attempts to do all will waste his life in doing little.

I have already enjoyed too much; give me something to desire.

A man, doubtful of his dinner, or trembling at a creditor, is not much disposed to abstracted meditation, or remote enquiries.