The world judge of men by their ability in their profession, and we judge of ourselves by the same test: for it is on that on which our success in life depends.

One of the pleasantest things in the world is going on a journey; I can enjoy society in a room; but out of doors, nature is company enough for me. I am then never less alone than when alone.

It is better to drink of deep grief than to taste shallow pleasures.

A great mind is one that can forget or look beyond itself.

Learning is, in too many cases, but a foil to common sense; a substitute for true knowledge. Books are less often made use of as spectacles to look at nature with, than as blinds to keep out its strong light and shifting scenery from weak eyes and indolent dispositions. The learned are mere literary drudges.

The only true retirement is that of the heart; the only true leisure is the repose of the passions. To such persons it makes little difference whether they are young or old; and they die as they have lived, with graceful resignation.

Every man depends on the quantity of sense, wit, or good manners he brings into society for the reception he meets with in it.