It cannot be a good constitution, where the appetite is great and the digestion is weak.
There are some men like dictionaries; to be looked into upon occasions, but have no connection, and are little entertaining.
Less knowledge than judgment will always have the advantage over the injudicious knowing man.
A wise man makes what he learns his own, t'other shows he's but a copy, or a collection at most.
On the Government of Thoughts
Man being made a reasonable, and so a thinking creature, there is nothing more worthy of his being than the right direction and employment of his thoughts; sinceupon this depends both his usefulness to the publick and his own present and future benefit in all respects.
The consideration of this has often obliged me to lament the unhappiness of mankind, that through too great a mixture and confusion of thoughts have been hardly able to make a right or mature judgment of things.
Clear, therefore, thy head, and rally, and manage thy thoughts rightly, and thou wilt save time, and see and do thy business well; for thy judgment will be distinct, thy mind free, and the faculties strong and regular.
Always remember to bound thy thoughts to the present occasion.
Make not more business necessary than is so; and rather lessen than augment work for thyself.