Childhood is never troubled with foresight.

I cannot be much pleased without an appearance of truth; at least of possibility I wish the history to be natural though the sentiments are refined; and the characters to be probable, though their behaviour is excelling

Money is the source of the greatest vice, and that nation which is most rich, is most wicked.

To Nobody, then, will I write my Journal! since to Nobody can I be wholly unreserved, to Nobody can I reveal every thought, every wish of my heart, with the most unlimited confidence, the most unremitting sincerity, to the end of my life!

... it's vastly more irksome to give up one's own way, than to hear a few impertinent remarks.

such is the effect of true politeness, that it banishes all restraint and embarassment.

Well of all things in the world, I don't suppose anything can be so dreadful as a public wedding--my stars!--I should never be able to support it!