“I have undertaken, you see, to write not only my life, but my opinions also; hoping and expecting that your knowledge of my character, and of what kind of a mortal I am, by the one, would give you a better relish for the other: As you proceed further with me, the slight acquaintance which is now beginning betwixt us, will grow into familiarity; and that, unless one of us is in fault, will terminate in friendship.”

“Men tire themselves in pursuit of rest.”

“I take a simple view of life. It is keep your eyes open and get on with it.”

“Of all duties, prayer certainly is the sweetest and most easy.”

“The desire of knowledge, like the thirst of riches, increases ever with the acquisition of it.”

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

“Only the brave know how to forgive it is the most refined and generous pitch of virtue human nature can arrive at. ”

“Only the brave know how to forgive... a coward never forgave it is not in his nature. ”

“Respect for ourselves guides our morals, respect for others guides our manners.”

“This world surely is wide enough to hold both thee and me.”

“Writing when properly managed (as you may be sure I think mine is) is but a different name for conversation.”