I regard almost all quarrels of princes on the same footing, and I see nothing that marks man's unreason so positively as war. Indeed, what folly to kill one another for interests often imaginary, and always for the pleasure of persons who do not think themselves even obliged to those who sacrifice themselves for them!

one would suffer a great deal to be happy.

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

A propos of Distempers, I am going to tell you a thing that I am sure will make you wish your selfe here. The Small Pox so fatal and so general amongst us is here entirely harmless by the invention of engrafting (which is the term they give it). There is a set of old Women who make it their business to perform the Operation.

Miserable is the fate of writers: if they are agreeable, they are offensive; and if dull, they starve.

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.

Tis the established custom [in Vienna] for every lady to have two husbands, one that bears the name, and another that performs the duties.