It is not fit that every man should travel; it makes a wise man better, and a fool worse.

Silence is one great art of conversation. He is not a fool who knows when to hold his tongue; and a person may gain credit for sense, eloquence, wit, who merely says nothing to lessen the opinion which others have of these qualities in themselves.

It is hard for any one to be an honest politician who is not born and bred a Dissenter.

We can be said only to fulfil our destiny in the place that gave us birth. I should on this account like well enough to spend the whole of my life in travelling abroad, if I could anywhere borrow another life to spend afterwards at home!

The temple of fame stands upon the grave: the flame that burns upon its altars is kindled from the ashes of great men.

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

The surest hindrance of success is to have too high a standard of refinement in our own minds, or too high an opinion of the judgment of the public. He who is determined not to be satisfied with anything short of perfection will never do anything to please himself or others.