We are deceived if we think that mind and judgment are two different matters: judgment is but the extent of the light of the mind. This light penetrates to the bottom of matters; it remarks all that can be remarked, and perceives what appears imperceptible. Therefore we must agree that it is the extent of the light in the mind that produces all the effects which we attribute to judgment.

They that apply themselves to trifling matters commonly become incapable of great ones.

If we have not peace within ourselves, it is in vain to seek it from outward sources.

To safeguard one's health at the cost of too strict a diet is a tiresome illness, indeed.

When a man must force himself to be faithful in his love, this is hardly better than unfaithfulness.

Instead of considering that the worst way to persuade or please others is to try thus strongly to please ourselves, and that to listen well and to answer well are some of the greatest charms we can have in conversation.

It is a mistake to imagine, that the violent passions only, such as ambition and love, can triumph over the rest. Idleness, languid as it is, often masters them all; she influences all our designs and actions, and insensibly consumes and destroys both passions and virtues.