Credulity is belief in slight evidence, with no evidence, or against evidence.

Mystery is but another name for ignorance; if we were omniscient, all would be perfectly plain!

Indolence is the dry rot of even a good mind and a good character; the practical uselessness of both. It is the waste of what might be a happy and useful life.

Attention to a subject depends upon our interest in it.

He that resolves upon any great and good end, has, by that very resolution, scaled the chief barrier to it. He will find such resolution removing difficulties, searching out or making means, giving courage for despondency, and strength for weakness, and like the star to the wise men of old, ever guiding him nearer and nearer to perfection.

Most controversies would soon be ended, if those engaged in them would first accurately define their terms, and then adhere to their definitions.

Appreciation, whether of nature, or books, or art, or men, depends very much on temperament. What is beauty or genius or greatness to one, is far from being so to another.