one would suffer a great deal to be happy.

We are no more free agents than the queen of clubs when she victoriously takes prisoner the knave of hearts.

There is no remedy so easy as books, which if they do not give cheerfulness, at least restore quiet to the most troubled mind.

... if it were the fashion to go naked, the face would be hardly observed.

Prudent people are very happy; 'tis an exceeding fine thing, that's certain, but I was born without it, and shall retain to my day of Death the Humour of saying what I think.

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

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.