Unused to the situations in which I find myself, and embarassed by the slightest difficulties, I seldom discover, till too late, how I ought to act.

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

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

The laws of custom make our [returning a visit] necessary. O how I hate this vile custom which obliges us to make slaves of ourselves! to sell the most precious property we boast, our time;--and to sacrifice it to every prattling impertinent who chooses to demand it!

falsehood is not more unjustifiable than unsafe.

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.

To despise riches, may, indeed, be philosophic, but to dispense them worthily, must surely be more beneficial to mankind.