General principles are not the less true or important because from their nature they elude immediate observation; they are like the air, which is not the less necessary because we neither see nor feel it.

Whatever interests is interesting.

The most rational cure after all for the inordinate fear of death is to set a just value on life.

Belief is with them mechanical, voluntary: they believe what they are paid for - they swear to that which turns to account. Do you suppose, that after years spent in this manner, they have any feeling left answering to the difference between truth and falsehood?

The ignorance of the world leaves one at the mercy of its malice.

Books let us into their souls and lay open to us the secrets of our own.

One shining quality lends a lustre to another, or hides some glaring defect.