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

... there's nothing but quarreling with the women; it's my belief they like it better than victuals and drink.

To save the mind from preying inwardly upon itself, it must be encouraged to some outward pursuit. There is no other way to elude apathy, or escape discontent; none other to guard the temper from that quarrel with itself, which ultimately ends in quarreling with all mankind.

Far from having taken any positive step, I have not yet even fommed any resolution.

Wealth per se I never too much valued, and my acquaintance with its possessors has by no means increased my veneration for it.

No man is in love when he marries. He may have loved before; I have even heard he has sometimes loved after: but at the time never. There is something in the formalities of the matrimonial preparations that drive away all the little cupidons.