It is a mighty error to suppose that none but violent and strong passions, such as love and ambition, are able to vanquish the rest. Even idleness, as feeble and languishing as it is, sometimes reigns over them; it usurps the throne and sits paramount over all the designs and actions of our lives, and imperceptibly wastes and destroys all our passions and all our virtues.

A true friend is the greatest of all blessings, and that which we take the least care of all to acquire.

It is with true love as it is with ghosts; everyone talks about it, but few have seen it.

Taste may change, but inclination never.

For the credit of virtue we must admit that the greatest misfortunes of men are those into which they fall through their crimes.

It is with certain good qualities as with the senses; those who have them not can neither appreciate nor comprehend them in others.

The moderation of people in prosperity is the effect of a smooth and composed temper, owing to the calm of their good fortune.