Men universally are ungrateful towards him who instructs them, unless, in the hours or in the intervals of instruction, he presents a sweet-cake to their self-love.

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.

Circumstances form the character; but, like petrifying matters, they harden while they form.

The most pernicious of absurdities is that weak, blind, stupid faith is better than the constant practice of every human virtue.

I see the rainbow in the sky, the dew upon the grass; I see them, and I ask not why they glimmer or they pass. With folded arms I linger not to call them back; 'twere vain: In this, or in some other spot, I know they'll shine again.

Experience is our only teacher both in war and peace.

Children are what the mothers are.