In like manner, the disbelief of a Divine Providence renders a man uncapable of holding any public station; for, since kings avow themselves to be the deputies of Providence.

Perpetual aiming at wit is a very bad part of conversation. It is done to support a character: it generally fails; it is a sort of insult on the company, and a restraint upon the speaker.

Words are but wind; and learning is nothing but words; ergo, learning is nothing but wind.

When a true genius appears, you can know him by this sign: that all the dunces are in a confederacy against him.

As love without esteem is capricious and volatile; esteem without love is languid and cold.

A pleasant companion is as good as a coach.

No preacher is listened to but time, which gives us the same train and turn of thought that elder people have in vain tried to put into our heads before.