I would rather be poor in a cottage full of books than a king without the desire to read.

Men are never so likely to settle a question rightly as when they discuss it freely.

Facts are the mere dross of history. It is from the abstract truth which interpenetrates them, and lies latent among them, like gold in the ore, that the mass derives its whole value; and the precious particles are generally combined with the baser in such a manner that the separation is a task of the utmost difficulty.

Every age and every nation has certain characteristic vices, which prevail almost universally, which scarcely any person scruples to avow, and which even rigid moralists but faintly censure. Succeeding generations change the fashion of their morals with the fashion of their hats and their coaches; take some other kind of wickedness under their patronage, and wonder at the depravity of their ancestors.

Generalization is necessary to the advancement of knowledge; but particularly is indispensable to the creations of the imagination. In proportion as men know more and think more they look less at individuals and more at classes. They therefore make better theories and worse poems.

In perseverance, in self command, in forethought, in all virtues which conduce to success in life, the Scots have never been surpassed.

We do not think it necessary to prove that a quack medicine is poison; let the vender prove it to be sanative.