Studious to please, yet not ashamed to fail.
Since life itself is uncertain, nothing which has life for its basis can boast much stability.
Few things are impossible to diligence and skill.
The Irish are a fair people: They never speak well of one another.
I fancy mankind may come, in time, to write all aphoristically, except in narrative; grow weary of preparation, and connection, and illustration, and all those arts by which a big book is made.
No government power can be abused long. Mankind will not bear it.... There is a remedy in human nature against tyranny, that will keep us safe under every form of government.