Genius is native to the soil where it grows — is fed by the air, and warmed by the sun — and is not a hot - house plant or an exotic.

A lively blockhead in company is a public benefit. Silence or dulness by the side of folly looks like wisdom.

Zeal will do more than knowledge.

A life of action and danger moderates the dread of death.

To be capable of steady friendship or lasting love, are the two greatest proofs, not only of goodness of heart, but of strength of mind.

I am proud up to the point of equality; everything above or below that appears to me arrant impertinence or abject meanness.

Those who speak ill of the spiritual life, although they come and go by day, are like the smith's bellows: they take breath but are not alive.