The only true source of politeness is consideration,--that vigilant moral sense which never loses sight of the rights, the claims, and the sensibilities of others. This is the one quality, over all others, necessary to make a gentleman.

Our possessions are wholly in our performances. He owns nothing to whom the world owes nothing.

He who would acquire fame must not show himself afraid of censure. The dread of censure is the death of genius.

To feel oppressed by obligation is only to prove that we are incapable of a proper sentiment of gratitude. To receive favors from the unworthy is simply to admit that our selfishness is superior to our pride. Most men remember obligations, but not often to be grateful for them. The proud are made sour by the remembrance and the vain silent.

I know not that there is anything in nature more soothing to the mind than the contemplation of the moon, sailing, like some planetary bark, amidst a sea of bright azure. The subject is certainly hackneyed; the moon has been sung by poet and poetaster. Is there any marvel that it should be so?

No doubt solitude is wholesome, but so is abstinence after a surfeit. The true life of man is in society.

The effect of character is always to command consideration. We sport and toy and laugh with men or women who have none, but we never confide in them.