Philosophy, while it soothes the reason, damps the ambition.

Say what we will, we may be sure that ambition is an error. Its wear and tear on the heart are never recompensed.

He who has loved often ... has loved never.

Thought is valuable in proportion as it is generative.

Fine natures are like fine poems; a glance at the first two lines suffices for a guess into the beauty that waits you if you read on.

A pipe is the fountain of contemplation, the source of pleasure, the companion of the wise; and the man who smokes, thinks like a philosopher and acts like a Samaritan.

Money is a terrible blab; she will betray the secrets of her owner, whatever he do to gag her. His virtues will creep out in her whisper; his vices she will cry aloud at the top of her tongue.