A vice utterly at variance with the happiness of him who harbors it, and, as such, condemned by self-love.

Praise is the symbol which represents sympathy, and which the mind insensibly substitutes for its recollection and language.

The feminine graces of Madame de Sevigne's genius are exquisitely charming; but the philosophy and eloquence of Madame de Stael are above the distinction of sex.

The frivolous work of polished idleness.

Every fiction since Homer has taught friendship, patriotism, generosity, contempt of death. These are the highest virtues; and the fictions which taught them were therefore of the highest, though not of unmixed, utility.

It is right to be content with what we have, never with what we are.

Whatever is popular deserves attention.