The origin of all science is the desire to know causes, and the origin of all false science is the desire to accept false causes rather than none; or, which is the same thing, in the unwillingness to acknowledge our own ignorance.

I do not think there is anything deserving the name of society to be found out of London.

No young man ever thinks he shall die.

Truth from the mouth of an honest man and severity from a good-natured man have a double effect.

Human life may be regarded as a succession of frontispieces. The way to be satisfied is never to look back.

Most of the methods for measuring the lapse of time have, I believe, been the contrivance of monks and religious recluses, who, finding time hang heavy on their hands, were at some pains to see how they got rid of it.

The greatest grossness sometimes accompanies the greatest refinement, as a natural relief.