I am then never less alone than when alone

Habit is necessary to give power.

Taste is nothing but an enlarged capacity for receiving pleasure from works of imagination.

We often choose a friend as we do a mistress - for no particular excellence in themselves, but merely from some circumstance that flatters our self-love.

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.

In public speaking, we must appeal either to the prejudices of others, or to the love of truth and justice. If we think merely of displaying our own ability, we shall ruin every cause we undertake.

Confidence gives a fool the advantage over a wise man.