A man unattached and without wife, if he have any genius at all, may raise himself above his original position, may mingle with the world of fashion, and hold himself on a level with the highest; this is less easy for him who is engaged; it seems as if marriage put the whole world in their proper rank.

A simple garb is the proper costume of the vulgar; it is cut for them, and exactly suits their measure, but it is an ornament for those who have filled up their lives with great deeds. I liken them to beauty in dishabille, but more bewitching on that account.

It is in vain to ridicule a rich fool, for the laughers will be on his side.

If some persons died, and others did not die, death would be a terrible affliction.

When we are young we lay up for old age; when we are old we save for death.

A man has made great progress in cunning when he does not seem too clever to others.

The same common sense which makes an author write good things, makes him dread they are not good enough to deserve reading.