A small knowledge of human nature will convince us, that, with far the greatest part of mankind, interest is the governing principle; and that almost every man is more or less, under its influence. Motives of public virtue may for a time, or in particular instances, actuate men to the observance of a conduct purely disinterested; but they are not of themselves sufficient to produce persevering conformity to the refined dictates and obligations of social duty.

People exaggerate the value of things they haven't got. Everybody worships truth and unselfishness because they have no experience with them.

People are always blaming their circumstances for what they are. I don't believe in circumstances.

The search for a scapegoat is the easiest of all hunting expeditions.

It's human nature to gripe, but I'm going ahead and doing the best I can.

An average human looks without seeing, listens without hearing, touches without feeling, eats without tasting, moves without physical awareness, inhales without awareness of odour or fragrance, and talks without thinking.