To follow imperfect, uncertain, or corrupted traditions, in order to avoid erring in our own judgment, is but to exchange one danger for another
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It is the neglect of timely repair that makes rebuilding necessary.
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Weak arguments are often thrust before my path; but although they are most insubstantial, it is not easy to destroy them. There is not a more difficult feat known than to cut through a cushion with a sword.
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He that is not open to conviction, is not qualified for discussion.
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As one may bring himself to believe almost anything he is inclined to believe, it makes all the difference whether we begin or end with the inquiry, What is truth?
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The happiest lot for a man, as far as birth is concerned, is that it should be such as to give him but little occasion to think much about it
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Lose an hour in the morning, and you will spend all day looking for it.
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Every one wishes to have truth on his side, but it is not everyone sincerely wishes to be on the side of truth.
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He only is exempt from failures who makes no efforts.
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To be always thinking about your manners is not the way to make them good; the very perfection of manners is not to think about yourself.
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A man who gives his children habits of industry provides for them better than by giving them a fortune.
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Curiosity is as much the parent of attention, as attention is of memory.
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Everyone wishes to have truth on his side, but not everyone wishes to be on the side of truth.
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Honesty is the best policy; but he who is governed by that maxim is not an honest man.
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