We find in the course of nature that though the effects be many, the principles from which they arise are commonly few and simple, and that it is the sign of an unskilled naturalist to have recourse to a different quality in order to explain every different operation.

Nothing endears so much a friend as sorrow for his death. The pleasure of his company has not so powerful an influence.

From causes which appear similar, we expect similar effects. This is the sum total of all our experimental conclusions.

Human happiness seems to consist in three ingredients: action, pleasure and indolence.

We make allowance for a certain degree of selfishness in men; because we know it to be inseparable from human nature, and inherent in our frame and constitution. By this reflexion we correct those sentiments of blame, which so naturally arise upon any opposition.

Character is the result of a system of stereotyped principals.

In this sullen apathy neither true wisdom nor true happiness can be found.