A maxim in law has more weight in the world than an article of faith.

It is as hard to satirize well a man of distinguished vices, as to praise well a man of distinguished virtues.

The motives of the best actions will not bear too strict an inquiry. It is allowed that the cause of most actions, good or bad, may be resolved into the love of ourselves; but the self-love of some men inclines them to please others, and the self-love of others is wholly employed in pleasing themselves. This makes the great distinction between virtue and vice.

When I am in danger of bursting, I will go and whisper among the reeds.

Life is a tragedy wherein we sit as spectators for a while and then act our part in it.

In all assemblies, though you wedge them ever so close, we may observe this peculiar property, that over their heads there is room enough; but how to reach it is the difficult point. To this end the philosopher's way in all ages has been by erecting certain edifices in the air.

The worthiest people are the most injured by slander, as is the best fruit which the birds have been pecking at.