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

He who brings ridicule to bear against truth finds in his hand a blade without a hilt.

We may receive so much light as not to see, and so much philosophy as to be worse than foolish.

Fame often rests at first upon something accidental, and often, too, is swept away, or for a time removed; but neither genius nor glory, is conferred at once, nor do they glimmer and fall, like drops in a grotto, at a shout.

Falsehood is for a season.

Authors are like cattle going to a fair: those of the same field can never move on without butting one another.

Children are what the mothers are.