. . . this life is a perpetual chequer-work of good and evil, pleasure and pain. When in possession of what we desire, we are only so much the nearer losing it; and when at a distance from it, we live in expectation of enjoying it again.

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

... we ought to be astonished at nothing; for what do we not meet with in our journey through life?

We are so fond of hearing ourselves spoken of, that, be it good or ill, it is still pleasing.

It is the fine rain that soaks us through.

The heart has no wrinkles.

We are always on the side of those who speak last.