We part more easily with what we possess, than with our expectations of what we wish for; because expectation always goes beyond enjoyment.

When you descant on the faults of others, consider whether you be not guilty of the same. To gain knowledge of ourselves, the best way is to convert the imperfections of others into a mirror for discovering our own.

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

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

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.

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

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.