It is very common for us to desire most what we are least qualified to obtain.
The desires of man increase with his acquisitions.
Diffidence may check resolution and obstruct performance, but compensates its embarrassments by more important advantages; it conciliates the proud, and softens the severe; averts envy from excellence, and censure from miscarriage.
As he that lives longest lives but a little while, every man may be certain that he has no time to waste. The duties of life are commensurate to its duration; and every day brings its task, which, if neglected, is doubled on the morrow.
By those who look close to the ground dirt will be seen. I hope I see things from a greater distance.
Such is the emptiness of human enjoyment that we are always impatient of the present. Attainment is followed by neglect, and possession by disgust.
Though the discoveries or acquisitions of man are not always adequate to the expectations of his pride, they are at least sufficient to animate his industry.
A blaze first pleases and then tires the sight.
Dishonor waits on perfidy. A man should blush to think a falsehood; it is the crime of cowards.
Distance either of time or place is sufficient to reconcile weak minds to wonderful relations.
No money is better spent than what is laid out for domestic satisfaction. A man is pleased that his wife is dressed as well as other people, and the wife is pleased that she is dressed.
It is wonderful what a difference learning makes upon people even in the common intercourse of life, which does not appear to be much connected with it.
When emulation leads us to strive for self-elevation by merit alone, and not by belittling another, then it is one of the grandest possible incentives to action.
Where there is emulation, there will be vanity; where there is vanity, there will be folly.
I have adopted the Roman sentiment, that it is more honorable to save a citizen than to kill an enemy.
The relief of enemies has a tendency to unite mankind in fraternal affection.
The gloomy and the resentful are always found among those who have nothing to do or who do nothing.
You cannot give me an instance of any man who is permitted to lay out his own time contriving not to have tedious hours.
As all error is meanness, it is incumbent on every man who consults his own dignity, to retract it as soon as he discovers it.
No man can have much kindness for him by whom he does not believe himself esteemed, and nothing so evidently proves esteem as imitation.