We are lazier in our minds than in our bodies.

Boredom ... causes us to neglect more duties than does interest.

There is merit without rank, but there is no rank without some merit.

The reason why so few people are agreeable in conversation is that each is thinking more about what he intends to say than others are saying.

Though men are apt to flatter and exalt themselves with their great achievements, yet these are, in truth, very often owing not so much to design as chance.

What is called generosity is usually only the vanity of giving; we enjoy the vanity more than the thing given.

However glorious an action in itself, it ought not to pass for great if it be not the effect of wisdom and intention.