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

With regard to donations always expect the most from prudent people, who keep their own accounts.

We cannot be guilty of a greater act of uncharitableness, than to interpret the afflictions which befall our neighbors as punishments and judgments.

To a man of pleasure every moment appears to be lost, which partakes not of the vivacity of amusement.

Hope calculates its scenes for a long and durable life; presses forward to imaginary points of bliss; and grasps at impossibilities; and consequently very often ensnares men into beggary, ruin and dishonor.

Nature delights in the most plain and simple diet.

Most of the trades, professions, and ways of living among mankind, take their original either from the love of the pleasure, or the fear of want. The former, when it becomes too violent, degenerates into luxury, and the latter into avarice.