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.

Generally speaking, there is more wit than talent in the world. Society swarms with witty people who lack talent.

Indolence and stupidity are first cousins.

Poverty treads close upon the heels of great and unexpected wealth.

The cunning tempter, by avoiding the grossness of vice, often silences objections.

The despotism of will in ideas is styled plan, project, character, obstinacy; its despotism in desires is called passion.

Speech is external thought, and thought internal speech.