The definition of genius is that it acts unconsciously, and those who have produced immortal works have done so without knowing how or why.

An honest man speaks the truth, though it may give offence; a vain man, in order that it may.

To expect an author to talk as he writes is ridiculous; or even if he did you would find fault with him as a pedant.

We grow tired of ourselves, much more of other people.

As we are poetical in our natures, so we delight in fable.

It is easier taking the beaten path than making our way over bogs and precipices. The great difficulty in philosophy is to come to every question with a mind fresh and unshackled by former theories, though strengthened by exercise and information.

The most fluent talkers or most plausible reasoners are not always the justest thinkers.