Without any extraordinary effort of genius, I have discovered that nature was the same three thousand years ago as at present; that men were but men then as well as now; that modes and customs vary often, but that human nature is always the same. And I can no more suppose, that men were better, braver, or wiser, fifteen hundred or three thousand years ago, than I can suppose that the animals or vegetables were better than they are now.

Inferiority is what you enjoy in your best friends.

Very ugly or very beautiful women should be flattered on their understanding, and mediocre ones on their beauty.

Swift speedy time, feathered with flying hours, Dissolves the beauty of the fairest brow.

Those who see and observe kings, heroes, and statesmen, discover that they have headaches, indigestion, humors and passions, just like other people; every one of which in their turns determine their wills in defiance of their reason.

The more one works, the more willing one is to work.

No man tastes pleasures truly, who does not earn them by previous business; and few people do business well, who do nothing else.