Men and statues that are admired ire an elevated situation have a very different effect upon us when we approach them; the first appear less than we imagined them, the last bigger.

What an argument in favor of social connections is the observation that by communicating our grief we have less, and by communicating our pleasure we have more.

Despair gives the shocking ease to the mind that a mortification gives to the body.

Unbecoming forwardness oftener proceeds from ignorance than impudence.

True joy is only hope put out of fear.

Discernment is a power of the understanding in which few excel. Is not that owing to its connection with impartiality and truth? for are not prejudice and partiality blind?

Those men who are commended by everybody must be very extraordinary men; or, which is more probable, very inconsiderable men.