I shall attempt to prove two things: first, that the actions and dispositions of mankind are the offspring of circumstances and events, and not of any original determination that they bring into the world; and, secondly, that the great stream of our voluntary actions essentially depends, not upon the direct and immediate impulses of sense, but upon the decisions of the understanding.

The execution of any thing considerable implies in the first place previous persevering meditation.

Perfectibility is one of the most unequivocal characteristics of the human species.

As the true object of education is not to render the pupil the mere copy of his preceptor, it is rather to be rejoiced in, than lamented, that various reading should lead him into new trains of thinking.

He that loves reading has everything within his reach.

Learning is the ally, not the adversary of genius... he who reads in a proper spirit, can scarcely read too much.

Study with desire is real activity; without desire it is but the semblance and mockery of activity.