Prose on certain occasions can bear a great deal of poetry; on the other hand, poetry sinks and swoons under a moderate weight of prose.

A little praise is good for a shy temper; it teaches it to rely on the kindness of others.

Absurdities are great or small in proportion to custom or insuetude.

Truth is a point, the subtlest and finest; harder than adamant; never to be broken, worn away, or blunted. Its only bad quality is, that it is sure to hurt those who touch it; and likely to draw blood, perhaps the life blood, of those who press earnestly upon it.

Ridicule has followed the vestiges of truth, but never usurped her place.

The only effect of public punishment is to show the rabble how bravely it can be borne; and that every one who hath lost a toe-nail hath suffered worse.

Everything that looks to the future elevates human nature.