What proposition is there respecting human nature which is absolutely and universally true? We know of only one,--and that is not only true, but identical,--that men always act from self-interest.

Finesse is the best adaptation of means to circumstances.

The best portraits are those in which there is a slight mixture of caricature.

Men naturally sympathize with the calamities of individuals; but they are inclined to look on a fallen party with contempt rather than with pity.

The ascendency of the sacerdotal order was long the ascendency which naturally and properly belonged to intellectual superiority.

No man who is correctly informed as to the past will be disposed to take a morose or desponding view of the present.

Cut off my head, and singular I am, Cut off my tail, and plural I appear; Although my middle's left, there's nothing there! What is my head cut off? A sounding sea; What is my tail cut off? A rushing river; And in their mingling depths I fearless play, Parent of sweetest sounds, yet mute forever.