Those who wander in the world avowedly and purposely in pursuit of happiness, who view every scene of present joy with an eye to what may succeed, certainly are more liable to disappointment, misfortune and unhappiness, than those who give up their fate to chance and take the goods and evils of fortune as they come, without making happiness their study, or misery their foresight.

falsehood is not more unjustifiable than unsafe.

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

an old woman ... is a person who has no sense of decency; if once she takes to living, the devil himself can't get rid of her.

the mind naturally accommodates itself, even to the most ridiculous improprieties, if they occur frequently.

For my part, I confess I seldom listen to the players: one has so much to do, in looking about and finding out one's acquaintance, that, really, one has no time to mind the stage. One merely comes to meet one's friends, and show that one's alive.

Travelling is the ruin of all happiness. There's no looking at a building here after seeing Italy.