Weakness has its hidden resources, as well as strength. There is a degree of folly and meanness which we cannot calculate upon, and by which we are as much liable to be foiled as by the greatest ability or courage.

To display the greatest powers, unless they are applied to great purposes, makes nothing for the character of greatness.

There are many who talk on from ignorance rather than from knowledge, and who find the former an inexhaustible fund of conversation.

What is popular is not necessarily vulgar; and that which we try to rescue from fatal obscurity had in general much better remain where it is.

Grace is the absence of everything that indicates pain or difficulty, hesitation or incongruity.

Friendship is cemented by interest, vanity, or the want of amusement; it seldom implies esteem, or even mutual regard.

Cowardice is not synonymous with prudence. It often happens that the better part of discretion is valor.