We must consider how very little history there is--I mean real, authentic history. That certain kings reigned and certain battles were fought, we can depend upon as true; but all the coloring, all the philosophy, of history is conjecture.

He that teaches us anything which we knew not before is undoubtedly to be reverenced as a master.

We often need reminding even if we do not often need educating.

To build is to be robbed.

Whoever envies another confesses his superiority.

Man is a transitory being, and his designs must partake of the imperfections their author.

Curiosity is, in great and generous minds, the first passion and the last; and perhaps always predominates in proportion to the strength of the contemplative faculties. He who easily comprehends all that is before him, and soon exhausts any single subject, is always eager for new inquiries; and in proportion as the intellectual eye takes in a wider prospect, it must be gratified with variety, by more rapid flights and bolder excursions.