Self-denial is a monkish virtue.

In a vain man, the smallest spark may kindle into the greatest flame, because the materials are always prepared for it.

Friendship is a calm and sedate affection, conducted by reason and cemented by habit; springing from long acquaintance and mutual obligations, without jealousies or fears, and without those feverish fits of heat and cold, which cause such an agreeable torment in the amorous passion.

Habit may lead us to belief and expectation but not to the knowledge, and still less to the understanding, of lawful relations.

When I hear that a man is religious, I conclude he is a rascal!

The simplest and most obvious cause which can there be assigned for any phenomena, is probably the true one.

Nothing indeed can be a stronger presumption of falsehood than the approbation of the multitude.