Charles Caleb Colton Quotes

True friendship is like sound health; the value of it is seldom known until it is lost.

Discretion has been termed the better part of valour, and it is more certain, that diffidence is the better part of knowledge.

If we can advance any propositions that are both true and new, these are indisputably our own, by right of discovery; and if we can repeat what is old more briefly and brightly than others, this also becomes our own, by right of conquest.

We should have a glorious conflagration, if all who cannot put fire into their works would only consent to put their works into the fire.

That author, however, who has thought more than he has read, read more than he has written, and written more than he published, if he does not command success, has at least deserved it.

With books, as with companions, it is of more consequence to know which to avoid, than which to choose; for good books are as scarce as good companions.

Great minds had rather deserve contemporaneous applause, without obtaining it, than obtain, without deserving it; if it follow them, it is well, but they will not deviate to follow it. With inferior minds the reverse is observable.

From the preponderance of talent, we may always infer the soundness and vigour of the commonwealth; but from the preponderance of riches, its dotage and degeneration.

Many a man may thank his talent for his rank, but no man has ever been able to return the compliment by thanking his rank for his talent.