Every character is in some respects uniform, and in others inconsistent; and it is only by the study both of the uniformity and inconsistency, and a comparison of them with each other, that the knowledge of man is acquired.

Two men are equally free from the rage of ambition; are they therefore equal in merit? Perhaps not; one may be above ambition, the other below it.

Politics is the food of sense exposed to the hunger of folly.

Some women destroy all your sensibility towards them by their coldness, others by their heat.

Every character is in some respects uniform, and in others inconsistent; and it is only by the study both of the uniformity and inconsistency, and a comparison of them with each other, that the knowledge of man is acquired.

Man is the only creature endowed with the power of laughter; is he not also the only one that deserves to be laughed at?

Pleasure is the business of the young, business the pleasure of the old.