He that sympathizes in all the happiness of others, perhaps himself enjoys the safest happiness.

In all societies, it is advisable to associate if possible with the highest; not that the highest are always the best, but because, if disgusted there, we can descend at any time; but if we begin with the lowest, to ascend is impossible.

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.

As a man of pleasure, by a vain attempt to be more happy than any man can be, is often more miserable than most men are, so the sceptic, in a vain attempt to be wise beyond what is permitted to man, plunges into a darkness more deplorable, and a blindness more incurable than that of the common herd, whom he despises, and would fain instruct.

Vice has more martyrs than virtue; and it often happens that men suffer more to be lost than to be saved.

Kings and their subjects, masters and slaves, find a common level in two places - at the foot of the cross, and in the grave.

Moderation is the inseparable companion of wisdom, but with it genius has not even a nodding acquaintance.