Nothing is so pregnant as cruelty; so multifarious, so rapid, so ever teeming a mother is unknown to the animal kingdom; each of her experiments provokes another and refines upon the last; though always progressive, yet always remote from the end.

Certain trifling flaws sit as disgracefully on a character of elegance as a ragged button on a court dress.

Avoid him who from mere curiosity asks three questions running about a thing that cannot interest Him.

The jealous are possessed by a mad devil and a dull spirit at the same time.

Thinkers are scarce as gold; but he whose thoughts embrace all his subject, and who pursues it uninterruptedly and fearless of consequences, is a diamond of enormous size.

Who in the same given time can produce more than others has vigor; who can produce more and better, has talents; who can produce what none else can, has genius.

Borrowed wit is the poorest wit.