Sciences may be learned by rote, but wisdom not.

Of all the cants which are canted in this canting world, - though the cant of hypocrites may be the worst, - the cant of criticism is the most tormenting!

One may as well be asleep as to read for anything but to improve his mind and morals, and regulate his conduct.

I am persuaded that every time a man smiles - but much more so when he laughs - it adds something to this fragment of life.

In solitude the mind gains strength and learns to lean upon itself.

Nothing is so perfectly amusing as a total change of ideas.