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

The Puritan hated bear-baiting, not because it gave pain to the bear, but because it gave pleasure to the spectators.

Our estimate of a character always depends much on the manner in which that character affects our own interests and passions.

A good constitution is infinitely better than the best despot.

What a blessing it is to love books as I love them;- to be able to converse with the dead, and to live amidst the unreal!

Finesse is the best adaptation of means to circumstances.

With respect to the doctrine of a future life, a North American Indian knows just as much as any ancient or modern philosopher.