Without grace no book can live, and with it the poorest may have its life prolonged.

We often repent of our first thoughts, and scarce ever of our second.

Cunning is neither the consequence of sense, nor does it give sense. A proof that it is not sense, is that cunning people never imagine that others can see through them. It is the consequence of weakness.

Life is a comedy for those who think and a tragedy for those who feel.

The passions seldom give good advice but to the interested and mercenary. Resentment generally suggests bad measures. Second thoughts and good nature will rarely, very rarely, approve the first hints of anger.

I know that I have had friends who would never have vexed or betrayed me, if they had walked on all fours.

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