The contemplation of truth and beauty is the proper object for which we were created, which calls forth the most intense desires of the soul, and of which it never tires.

The humblest painter is a true scholar; and the best of scholars the scholar of nature.

Defoe says that there were a hundred thousand country fellows in his time ready to fight to the death against popery, without knowing whether popery was a man or a horse.

Without the aid of prejudice and custom, I should not be able to find my way across the room.

People of genius do not excel in any profession because they work in it, they work in it because they excel.

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.

When I am in the country, I wish to vegetate like the country.