Everything that looks to the future elevates human nature.

All schools of philosophy, and almost all authors, are rather to be frequented for exercise than for weight.

He who first praises a book becomingly is next in merit to the author.

Two evils, of almost equal weight, may befall the man of erudition; never to be listened to, and to be listened to always.

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.

There is nothing on earth divine except humanity.

There is a gravity which is not austere nor captious, which belongs not to melancholy nor dwells in contraction of heart: but arises from tenderness and hangs upon reflection.