If it be usual to be strongly impressed by things that are scarce, why are we so little impressed by virtue?

Pure friendship is something which men of an inferior intellect can never taste.

A coxcomb is one whom simpletons believe to be a man of merit.

If you suppress the exorbitant love of pleasure and money, idle curiosity, iniquitous pursuits and wanton mirth, what a stillness would there be in the greatest cities.

Cunning is none of the best nor worst qualities; it floats between virtue and vice; there is scarce any exigence where it may not, and perhaps ought not to be supplied by prudence.

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

Generosity lies less in giving much than in giving at the right moment.