I like a person who knows his own mind and sticks to it; who sees at once what, in given circumstances, is to be done, and does it.

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.

We talk little when we do not talk about ourselves.

I like a person who knows his own mind and sticks to it; who sees at once what is to be done in given circumstances and does it. He does not beat about the bush for difficulties or excuses, but goes the shortest and most effectual way to work to attain his own ends, or to accomplish a useful object.

It is well there is no one without fault; for he would not have a friend in the world. He would seem to belong to s different species.

There is a heroism in crime as well as in virtue. Vice and infamy have their altars and their religion.

A certain excess of animal spirits with thoughtless good-humor will often make more enemies than the most deliberate spite and ill-nature, which is on its guard, and strikes with caution and safety.