Let those who would affect singularity with success first determine to be very virtuous, and they will be sure to be very singular.

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...

Justice to my readers compels me to admit that I write because I have nothing to do; justice to myself induces me to add that I will cease to write the moment I have nothing to say.

If all seconds were as averse to duels as their principals, very little blood would be shed in that way.

Error, when she retraces her steps, has farther to go before she can arrive at truth than ignorance.

To dare to live alone is the rarest courage; since there are many who had rather meet their bitterest enemy in the field, than their own hearts in their closet.

The greatest genius is never so great as when it is chastised and subdued by the highest reason.