The mathematicians are well acquainted with the difference between pure science, which has only to do with ideas, and the application of its laws to the use of life, in which they are constrained to submit to the imperfections of matter and the influence of accidents.

Hypocrisy is the necessary burden of villainy, affectation part of the chosen trappings of folly; the one completes a villain, the other only finishes a fop.

When the eye or the imagination is struck with an uncommon work, the next transition of an active mind is to the means by which it was performed

What is good only because it pleases cannot be pronounced good till it has been found to please.

The task of an author is, either to teach what is not known, or to recommend known truths by his manner of adorning them; either to let new light in upon the mind, and open new scenes to the prospect, or to vary the dress and situation of common objects, so as to give them fresh grace and more powerful attractions, to spread such flowers over the regions through which the intellect has already made its progress, as may tempt it to return, and take a second view of things hastily passed over, or negligently regarded.

Every human being whose mind is not debauched, will be willing to give all that he has to get knowledge.

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