How sweet, how passing sweet, is solitude!

Those who make the worst use of their time are the first to complain of its shortness.

There are only two ways by which to rise in this world, either by one's own industry or by the stupidity of others.

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

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.

We never deceive for a good purpose: knavery adds malice to falsehood.

It is often easier as well as more advantageous to conform to other men's opinions than to bring them over to ours.