The wonder is not that the world is so easily governed, but that so small a number of persons will suffice for the purpose. There are dead weights in political and legislative bodies as in clocks, and hundreds answer as pulleys who would never do for politicians.

Solitude bears the same relation to the mind that sleep does to the body. It affords it the necessary opportunities for repose and recovery.

It should console us for the fact that sin has not totally disappeared from the world, that the saints are not wholly deprived of employment.

I believe that economists put decimal points in their forecasts to show they have a sense of humor.

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.

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

Most men remember obligations, but not often to be grateful; the proud are made sour by the remembrance and the vain silent.