Of all the species of literary composition, perhaps biography is the most delightful. The attention concentrated on one individual gives a unity to the materials of which it is composed, which is wanting in general...

We should be more anxious that our afflictions should benefit us than that they should be speedily removed from us.

Mankind are apt to be strongly prejudiced in favor of whatever is countenanced by antiquity, enforced by authority, and recommended by custom.

A friend should be one in whose understanding and virtue we can equally confide, and whose opinion we can value at once for its justness and its sincerity.

In matters of conscience, first thoughts are best. In matters of prudence, last thoughts are best.

We are to seek wisdom and understanding only in the length of days.

In the power of fixing the attention lies the most precious of the intellectual habits.

Call things by their right names – Glass of brandy and water! That is the current, but not the appropriate name; ask for a glass of liquid fire and distilled damnation.