Skepticism is the chastity of the intellect...

To condemn spontaneous and delightful occupations because they are useless for self-preservation shows an uncritical prizing of life irrespective of its content.

A great man need not be virtuous, nor his opinions right, but he must have a firm mind, a distinctive luminous character.

The primary use of conversation is to satisfy the impulse to talk.

Repetition is the only form of permanence that Nature can achieve.

The passions grafted on wounded pride are the most inveterate; they are green and vigorous in old age.

There is no right government except good government.