Such is the power of imagination, that even a chimerical pleasure in expectation affects us more than a solid pleasure in possession.

The mind is never more highly gratified than in contemplating a natural landscape.

The sordid meal of the Cynics contributed neither to their tranquillity nor to their modesty. Pride went with Diogenes into his tub; and there he had the presumption to command Alexander the haughtiest of all men.

Nothing so uncertain as general reputation. A man injures me from humor, passion, or interest; hates me because he has injured me; and speaks ill of me because he hates me.

Nothing more excites to everything noble and generous, than virtuous love.

Every man, however little, makes a figure in his own eyes.

Death, whether it regards ourselves or others, appears less terrible in war than at home. The cries of women and children, friends in anguish, a dark room, dim tapers, priests and physicians, are what affect us the most on the death-bed. Behold us already more than half dead and buried.