Vast objects of remote altitude must be looked at a long while before they are ascertained. Ages are the telescope tubes that must be lengthened out for Shakespeare; and generations of men serve but a single witness to his claims.

Next in criminality to him who violates the laws of his country, is he who violates the language.

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

In argument, truth always prevails finally; in politics, falsehood always.

Do not expect to be acknowledged for what you are, much less for what you would be; since no one can well measure a great man but upon the bier.

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

Religion is the eldest sister of philosophy: on whatever subjects they may differ, it is unbecoming in either to quarrel, and most so about their inheritance.