I once asked a hermit in Italy how he could venture to live alone, in a single cottage, on the top of a mountain, a mile from any habitation? He replied, that Providence was his next-door neighbor.
A dwarf who brings a standard along with him to measure his own size, take my word, is a dwarf in more articles than one.
In all unmerciful actions, the worst of men pay this compliment at least to humanity, as to endeavour to wear as much of the appearance of it, as the case will well let them.
Only the brave know how to forgive... a coward never forgave; it is not in his nature.
I am persuaded that every time a man smiles - but much more so when he laughs - it adds something to this fragment of life.
Our passion and principals are constantly in a frenzy, but begin to shift and waver, as we return to reason.
But this is neither here nor there why do I mention it? Ask my pen, it governs me, I govern not it.
Alas! if the principles of contentment are not within us, the height of station and worldly grandeur will as soon add a cubit to a man's stature as to his happiness.
Lessons of wisdom have the most power over us when they capture the heart through the groundwork of a story, which engages the passions.
Respect for ourselves guides our morals, respect for others guides our manners.
People who overly take care of their health are like misers. They hoard up a treasure which they never enjoy.
People who are always taking care of their health are like misers, who are hoarding a treasure which they have never spirit enough to enjoy.
I wish either my father or my mother, or indeed both of them, as they were in duty both equally bound to it, had minded what they were about when they begot me.
An actor should be able to create the universe in the palm of his hand.
Only the brave know how to forgive; it is the most refined and generous pitch of virtue human nature can arrive at.
One may as well be asleep as to read for anything but to improve his mind and morals, and regulate his conduct.
Sciences may be learned by rote, but wisdom not.
Men tire themselves in pursuit of rest.
Religion which lays so many restraints upon us, is a troublesome companion to those who will lay no restraints upon themselves.
Keyholes are the occasions of more sin and wickedness, than all other holes in this world put together.
