Beauty is a dangerous property, tending to corrupt the mind of the wife, though it soon loses its influence over the husband. A figure agreeable and engaging, which inspires affection, without the ebriety of love, is a much safer choice.

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

False praise is always confined to the great.

Luxury possibly may contribute to give bread to the poor; but if there were no luxury, there would be no poor.

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.

If you should escape the censure of others, hope not to escape your own.

Emotions are raised in us, not only by the qualities and actions of others, but also by their feelings. I cannot behold a man in distress, without partaking of his pain; nor in joy, without partaking of his pleasure.