Modesty and diffidence make a man unfit for public affairs; they also make him unfit for brothels.

The habit of pleasing by flattery makes a language soft; the fear of offending by truth makes it circuitous and conventional.

Nothing is pleasanter to me than exploring in a library.

Consciousness of error is, to a certain extent, a consciousness of understanding; and correction of error is the plainest proof of energy and mastery.

Those who are quite satisfied sit still and do nothing; those who are not quite satisfied are the sole benefactors of the world.

He who brings ridicule to bear against truth finds in his hand a blade without a hilt. The most sparkling and pointed flame of wit flickers and expires against the incombustible walls of her sanctuary.

Those who in living fill the smallest space, In death have often left the greatest void.