“There is nothing so useful to man in general, nor so beneficial to particular societies and individuals, as trade. This is that alma mater, at whose plentiful breast all mankind are nourished.”

There is not in the universe a more ridiculous, nor a more contemptible animal, than a proud clergyman.

There cannot be a move glorious object in creation than a human being replete with benevolence, meditating in what manner he might render himself most acceptable to his Creator by doing most good to His creatures.

Fashion is the science of appearance, and it inspires one with the desire to seem rather than to be.

Good-humor will even go so far as often to supply the lack of wit.

In a debate, rather pull to pieces the argument of thy antagonists than offer him any of thy own; for thus thou wilt fight him in his own country.

When mighty roast beef was the Englishman’s food It ennobled our hearts and enriched our blood– Our soldiers were brave and our courtiers were good. Oh! the roast beef of England. And Old England’s roast beef.

Love may be likened to a disease in this respect, that when it is denied a vent in one part, it will certainly break out in another; hence what a woman’s lips often conceal, her eyes, her blushes, and many little involuntary actions betray.

What a silly fellow must he be who would do the devil’s work for free.

Wine is a turncoat; first a friend and then an enemy.

Custom may lead a man into many errors; but it justifies none.

However exquisitely human nature may have been described by writers, the true practical system can be learned only in the world.

There are two considerations which always imbitter the heart of an avaricious man–the one is a perpetual thirst after more riches, the other the prospect of leaving what he has already acquired.

We are as liable to be corrupted by books, as by companions.

Giving comfort under affliction requires that penetration into the human mind, joined to that experience which knows how to soothe, how to reason, and how to ridicule; taking the utmost care never to apply those arts improperly.

Make money your god, and it will plague you like the devil.

I am content; that is a blessing greater than riches; and he to whom that is given need ask no more.

I came into music just because I wanted the bread. It’s true. I looked around and this seemed like the only way I was going to get the kind of bread I wanted.

In America there’s no way I can make the kind of movie I like to make.

We must go out into a desert of some kind (your backyard will do) and come into a personal experience of the awesome love of God.

The surest sign that you’re working with the life-affirming kind of discipline, rather than the spirit-depressing kind, is that you don’t complain very much about doing what it takes.

The audience makes the decision of what kind of actor they want to watch. I always have said in the last 20 years, the real boss is the audience.

I believe there’s 31 flavors to be tasted. I’m just living my life. I don’t want to be your kind of good.

There is a certain kind of light that only comes from having been through a certain kind of darkness.

I’m so tired of waiting, aren’t you, for the world to become good and beautiful and kind?