Virtue knows to a farthing what it has lost by not having been vice.

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

The contempt of money is no more a virtue than to wash one's hand is one; but one does not willingly shake hands with a man that never washes his.

I avoid talking before the youth of the age as I would dancing before them: for if one's tongue don't move in the steps of the day, and thinks to please by its old graces, it is only an object of ridicule.

Men are often capable of greater things than they perform - They are sent into the world with bills of credit, and seldom draw to their full extent.

I have known several persons of great fame for wisdom in public affairs and councils governed by foolish servants. I have known great ministers, distinguished for wit and learning, who preferred none but dunces. I have known men of valor cowards to their wives. I have known men of cunning perpetually cheated. I knew three ministers who would exactly compute and settle the accounts of a kingdom, wholly ignorant of their own economy.

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