If there were no falsehood in the world, there would be no doubt, if there were no doubt, there would be no inquiry; if no inquiry, no wisdom, no knowledge, no genius; and Fancy herself would lie muffled up in her robe, inactive, pale, and bloated.

Everything that looks to the future elevates human nature; for never is life so low or so little as when occupied with the present.

All schools of philosophy, and almost all authors, are rather to be frequented for exercise than for weight.

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.

He who brings ridicule to bear against truth finds in his hand a blade without a hilt.

Goodness does not more certainly make men happy than happiness makes them good.

Wisdom consisteth not in knowing many things, nor even in knowing them thoroughly; but in choosing and in following what conduces the most certainly to our lasting happiness and true glory.