A coxcomb begins by determining that his own profession is the first; and he finishes by deciding that he is the first of profession.
In all places, and in all times, those religionists who have believed too much have been more inclined to violence and persecution than those who have believed too little.
To be a mere verbal critic is what no man of genius would be if he could; but to be a critic of true taste and feeling is what no man without genius could be if he would.
It may be observed of good writing, as of good blood, that it is much easier to say what it is composed of than to compose it.
That is true beauty which has not only a substance, but a spirit; a beauty that we must intimately know, justly to appreciate.
The cynic who twitted Aristippus by observing that the philosopher who could dine on herbs might despise the company of a king, was well replied to by Aristippus, when he remarked that the philosopher who could enjoy the company or a king might also despise a dinner of herbs.
Death is like thunder in two particulars; we are alarmed, at the sound of it; and it is formidable only from that which preceded it.
Courage is like the diamond, – very brilliant; not changed by fire, capable of high polish, but except for the purpose of cutting hard bodies useless.
It is always easy to shut a book, but not quite so easy to get rid of a lettered coxcomb.
If a book really wants the patronage of a great name, it is a bad book; and if it be a good book, it wants it not.
If merited, no courage can stand against its just indignation.
Few things are more agreeable to self-love than revenge, and yet no cause so effectually restrains us from revenge as self-love. And this paradox naturally suggests another; that the strength of the community is not unfrequently built upon the weakness of those individuals that compose it.
Revenge is a debt, in the paying of which the greatest knave is honest and sincere, and, so far as he is able, punctual.
We may anticipate bliss, but who ever drank of that enchanted cup unalloved?
Revenge is fever in our own blood, to be cured only by letting the blood of another; but the remedy too often produces a relapse, which is remorse – a malady far more dreadful than the first disease, because it is incurable.
Custom is the law of one description of fools, and fashion of another; but the two parties often clash – for precedent is the legislator of the first, and novelty of the last. Custom, therefore, looks to things that are past, and fashion to things that are present.
Many books owe their success to the good memories of their authors and the bad memories of their readers.
Hannibal knew better how to conquer than how to profit by the conquest; and Napoleon was more skilful in taking positions than in maintaining them. As to reverses, no general cart presume to say that he may not be defeated; but he can, and ought to say, that he will not be surprised.
Criticism is like champagne, nothing more execrable if bad, nothing more excellent if good; if meagre, muddy, vapid and sour, both are fit only to engender colic and wind; but if rich, generous and sparkling, they communicate a genial glow to the spirits, improve the taste, and expand the heart.
You cannot separate charity and religion.