Nations, like individuals, interest us in their growth.

Absurdities are great or small in proportion to custom or insuetude.

No ashes are lighter than those of incense, and few things burn out sooner.

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

Every sect is a moral check on its neighbour. Competition is as wholesome in religion as in commerce.

It appears to be among the laws of nature, that the mighty of intellect should be pursued and carped by the little, as the solitary flight of one great bird is followed by the twittering petulance of many smaller.

Heat and animosity, contest and conflict, may sharpen the wits, although they rarely do; they never strengthen the understanding, clear the perspicacity, guide the judgment, or improve the heart.