The more we do, the more we can do.
The most silent people are generally those who think most highly of themselves.
If we wish to know the force of human genius we should read Shakespeare. If we wish to see the insignificance of human learning we may only study his commentators. ["On the Ignorance of the Learned"]
An honest man speaks the truth, though it may give offence a vain man, in order that it may.
A gentle word, a kind look, a good-natured smile can work wonders and accomplish miracles.
Poetry is the universal language which the heart holds with nature and itself. He who has a contempt for poetry, cannot have much respect for himself, or for anything else.
A nickname is the heaviest stone that the devil can throw at a man. It is a bugbear to the imagination, and, though we do not believe in it, it still haunts our apprehensions.
The truly proud man is satisfied with his own good opinion and does not seek to make converts to it.
To think ill of mankind and not wish ill to them, is perhaps the highest wisdom and virtue.
There is a heroism in crime as well as in virtue. Vice and infamy have their altars and their religion.
There are no rules for friendship. It must be left to itself. We cannot force it any more than love.
There is nothing good to be had in the country or if there be they will not let you have it.
Landscape painting is the obvious resource of misanthropy.
Those who are fond of setting things to rights have no great objection to setting them wrong.
The difference between the vanity of a Frenchman and an Englishman seems to be this: The one thinks everything right that is French the other thinks everything wrong that is not English.
The same reason makes a man a religious enthusiast that makes a man an enthusiast in any other way: an uncomfortable mind in an uncomfortable body.
The world judge of men by their ability in their profession, and we judge of ourselves by the same test: for it is on that on which our success in life depends.
Simplicity of character is the natural result of profound thought.
Let a man's talents or virtues be what they may he will only feel satisfaction in his society as he is satisfied in himself.
Man is a make-believe animal - he is never so truly himself as when he is acting a part.