We listen to those whom we know to be of the same opinion as ourselves, and we call them wise for being of it; but we avoid such as differ from us.

Great men lose somewhat of their greatness by being near us; ordinary men gain much.

Children are what the mothers are.

Every great writer is a writer of history, let him treat on almost what subject he may.

Cruelty, if we consider it as a crime, is the greatest of all; if we consider it as a madness, we are equally justifiable in applying to it the readiest and the surest means of oppression.

The heart that once has been bathed in love's pure fountain retains the pulse of youth forever.

O what a thing is age! Death without death's quiet.