There is not a more mean, stupid, dastardly, pitiless, selfish, spiteful, envious, ungrateful animal than the Public. It is the greatest of cowards, for it is afraid of itself. – William Hazlitt
Man is a make-believe animal — he is never so truly himself as when he is acting a part. – William Hazlitt
Hope is the best possession. None are completely wretched but those who are without hope. Few are reduced so low as that. – William Hazlitt
The worthiest man to be known, and for a pattern to be presented to the world, he is the man of whom we have most certain knowledge. He hath been declared and enlightened by the most clear-seeing men that ever were; the testimonies we have of him are in faithfulness and sufficiency most admirable. – Michel de Montaigne