But in all despotic governments, though a particular prince may favour arts and letter, there is a natural degeneracy of mankind.

A contented mind is the greatest blessing a man can enjoy in this world; and if in the present life his happiness arises from the subduing of his desires, it will arise in the next from the gratification of them.

Music is the only sensual gratification which mankind may indulge in to excess without injury to their moral or religious feelings.

All well-regulated families set apart an hour every morning for tea and bread and butter

Talking with a friend is nothing else but thinking aloud.

When a man is made up wholly of the dove, without the least grain of the serpent in his composition, he becomes ridiculous in many circumstances of life, and very often discredits his best actions.

There is nothing which we receive with so much reluctance as advice.