The most civilized people are as near to barbarism as the most polished steel is to rust. Nations, like metals, have only a superficial brilliancy.

True felicity consists of its own consciousness.

The only thing wealth does for some people is to make them worry about losing it.

Indolence and stupidity are first cousins.

Speech is external thought, and thought internal speech.

Oblivion is the rule and fame the exception, of humanity.

Vices are often habits rather than passions.