People wish their enemies dead - but I do not; I say give them the gout, give them the stone!

We are apt to consider Shakespeare only as a poet; but he was certainly one of the greatest moral philosophers that ever lived.

Muse, time has taught me that all metaphysical systems, even historical facts given as truths, are hardly that, so I amuse myself with more agreeable lies; I no longer read anything but novels.

Let this great maxim be my virtue's guide,- In part she is to blame that has been tried: He comes too near that comes to be denied.

Nobody should trust their virtue with necessity, the force of which is never known till it is felt, and it is therefore one of the first duties to avoid the temptation of it.

A man that is ashamed of passions that are natural and reasonable is generally proud of those that are shameful and silly.

While conscience is our friend, all is at peace; however once it is offended, farewell to a tranquil mind.