It is good to be often reminded of the inconsistency of human nature, and to learn to look without wonder or disgust on the weaknesses which are found in the strongest minds.

In the modern languages there was not, six hundred years ago, a single volume which is now read. The library of our profound scholar must have consisted entirely of Latin books.

Such night in England ne'er had been, nor ne'er again shall be.

A page digested is better than a volume hurriedly read.

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

Perhaps no person can be a poet, or can even enjoy poetry, without a certain unsoundness of mind.

Everybody's business is nobody's business.