The mental disease of the present generation is impatience of study, contempt of the great masters of ancient wisdom, and a disposition to rely wholly upon unassisted genius and natural sagacity.

I advised Chambers, and would advise every young man beginning to compose, to do it as fast as he can, to get a habit of having his mind to start promptly; it is so much more difficult to improve in speed than in accuracy.

The dangers gather as the treasures rise.

Nay, Sir, those who write in them, write well, in order to be paid well.

Consider what importance to society the chastity of women is. Upon that all the property in the world depends. We hang a thief for stealing a sheep; but the unchastity of a woman transfers sheep and farm and all from the right owner.

Lectures were once useful; but now when all can read, and books are so numerous, lectures are unnecessary.

Life is not long, and too much of it must not pass in idle deliberation how it shall be spent.