... truth ... carries authority with it; while falsehood and lies skulk under a load of words, without having the power of persuasion; the more they attempt to show themselves, the more they are entangled.

Gloom and sadness are poison to us, and the origin of hysterics. You are right in thinking that this disease is in the imagination; you have defined it perfectly; it is vexation which causes it to spring up, and fear that supports it.

In all nations truth is the most sublime, the most simple, the most difficult, and yet the most natural thing.

We like so much to hear people talk of us and of our motives, that we are charmed even when they abuse us.

When I step into this library, I cannot understand why I ever step out of it.

. . . it seldom happens, I think, that a man has the civility to die when all the world wishes it.

If we could have a little patience, we should escape much mortification; time takes away as much as it gives.