It requires more than mere genius to be an author.

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.

Both as to high and low indifferently, men are prepossessed, charmed, fascinated by success; successful crimes are praised very much like virtue itself, and good fortune is not far from occupying the place of the whole cycle of virtues. It must be an atrocious act, a base and hateful deed, which success would not be able to justify.

A lovely countenance is the fairest of all sights, and the sweetest harmony is the sound of the voice of her whom we love.

There is what is called the highway to posts and honor, and there is a cross and by way, which is much the shortest.

When we are dead we are praised by those who survive us, though we frequently have no other merit than that of being no longer alive.

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.