Of all the species of literary composition, perhaps biography is the most delightful. The attention concentrated on one individual gives a unity to the materials of which it is composed, which is wanting in general history. Votes: 13
We are to seek wisdom and understanding only in the length of days. Votes: 6
Call things by their right names - Glass of brandy and water! That is the current, but not the appropriate name; ask for a glass of liquid fire and distilled damnation. Votes: 6
A friend should be one in whose understanding and virtue we can equally confide, and whose opinion we can value at once for its justness and its sincerity. Votes: 5
In the power of fixing the attention lies the most precious of the intellectual habits. Votes: 3
We should be more anxious that our afflictions should benefit us than that they should be speedily removed from us. Votes: 3
Mankind are apt to be strongly prejudiced in favor of whatever is countenanced by antiquity, enforced by authority, and recommended by custom. Votes: 3
In matters of conscience, first thoughts are best. In matters of prudence, last thoughts are best. Votes: 1