Our energy is in proportion to the resistance it meets. We attempt nothing great but from a sense of the difficulties we have to encounter, we persevere in nothing great but from a pride in overcoming them.

The truth is, we pamper little griefs into great ones, and bear great ones as well as we can.

It is not the passion of a mind struggling with misfortune, or the hopelessness of its desires, but of a mind preying on itself, and disgusted with, or indifferent to all other things.

Features alone do not run in the blood; vices and virtues, genius and folly, are transmitted through the same sure but unseen channel.

Though familiarity may not breed contempt, it takes off the edge of admiration.

There is no prejudice so strong as that which arises from a fancied exemption from all prejudice.

No man can thoroughly master more than one art or science.