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MY DEAR FRIEND: I have so little to do, that I am surprised how I can
find time to write to you so often. Do not stare at the seeming paradox;
for it is an undoubted truth, that the less one has to do, the less time
one finds to do it in.
Our conjectures pass upon us for truths; we will know what we do not
know, and often, what we cannot know: so mortifying to our pride is the
bare suspicion of ignorance!
There is not a more prudent maxim than to live with one's enemies as if
they may one day become one's friends; as it commonly happens, sooner or
later.
What have I done to-day? Have I done anything that can be of use to
myself or others? Have I employed my time, or have I squandered it?
Have I lived out the day, or have I dozed it away in sloth and laziness?
Many things which seem extremely probable are not true: and many which
seem highly improbable are true.
The more one works, the more willing one is to work. We are all, more or
less, 'des animaux d'habitude'.
Am still unwell; I cannot help it!
Apt to make them think themselves more necessary than they are
BUT OF THIS EVERY MAN WILL BELIEVE AS HE THINKS PROPER
Conjectures pass upon us for truths
Enemies as if they may one day become one's friends
Have I employed my time, or have I squandered it?
Home, be it ever so homely
Jog on like man and wife; that is, seldom agreeing
Less one has to do, the less time one finds to do it in
Many things which seem extremely probable are not true
More one works, the more willing one is to work
Most ignorant are, as usual, the boldest conjecturers
Nipped in the bud
No great regard for human testimony
Not to communicate, prematurely, one's hopes or one's fears
Person to you whom I am very indifferent about, I mean myself
Petty jury
Something must be said, but that something must be nothing
Sow jealousies among one's enemies
Think to atone by zeal for their want of merit and importance
Think yourself less well than you are, in order to be quite so
What have I done to-day?
Will pay very dear for the quarrels and ambition of a few
LETTERS TO HIS SON, 1759-65
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