Our [British] summers are often, though beautiful for verdure, so cold, that they are rather cold winters.

I do not admire politicians; but when they are excellent in their way, one cannot help allowing them their due.

Exercise is the worst thing in the world and as bad an invention as gunpowder.

I firmly believe, notwithstanding all our complaints, that almost every person upon earth tastes upon the totality more happiness than misery.

I do not dislike the French from the vulgar antipathy between neighboring nations, but for their insolent and unfounded air of superiority.

Life is a farce, and should not end with a mourning scene.

It amazes me when I hear any person prefer blindness to deafness. Such a person must have a terrible dread of being alone. Blindness makes one totally dependent on others, and deprives us of every satisfaction that results from light.