Hoc age ['do this'] is the great rule, whether you are serious or merry; whether ... learning science or duty from a folio, or floating on the Thames. Intentions must be gathered from acts.

An Italian philosopher said that "time was his estate"; an estate indeed which will produce nothing without cultivation, but will always abundantly repay the labors of industry, and generally satisfy the most extensive desires, if no part of it be suffered to lie in waste by negligence, to be overrun with noxious plants, or laid out for show rather than for use.

I also admit, that there are some sluggish men who are improved by drinking; as there are fruits which are not good till they are rotten.

Whatever is proposed, it is much easier to find reasons for rejecting than embracing.

His death eclipsed the gayety of nations, and impoverished the public stock of harmless pleasure.

Books are faithful repositories, which may be awhile neglected or forgotten; but when they are opened again, will again impart their instruction: memory, once interrupted, is not to be recalled. Written learning is a fixed luminary, which, after the cloud that had hidden it has passed away, is again bright in its proper station. Tradition is but a meteor, which, if once it falls, cannot be rekindled.

We may have many acquaintances, but we can have but few friends; this made Aristotle say that he that hath many friends hath none.