We uniformly applaud what is right and condemn what is wrong, when it costs us nothing but the sentiment.

Wonder at the first sight of works of art may be the effect of ignorance and novelty; but real admiration and permanent delight in them are the growth of taste and knowledge.

One truth discovered, one pang of regret at not being able to express it, is better than all the fluency and flippancy in the world.

Want of principle is power. Truth and honesty set a limit to our efforts, which impudence and hypocrisy easily overleap.

To be remembered after we are dead, is but poor recompense for being treated with contempt while we are living.

The slaves of power mind the cause they have to serve, because their own interest is concerned; but the friends of liberty always sacrifice their cause, which is only the cause of humanity, to their own spleen, vanity, and self-opinion.

The most insignificant people are the most apt to sneer at others. They are safe from reprisals. And have no hope of rising in their own self esteem but by lowering their neighbors.