It's in no way my interest (according to the common acceptance of that word) to convince the world of their errors; that is, I shall get nothing from it but the private satisfaction of having done good to mankind, and I know nobody that reckons that satisfaction any part of their interest.

I believe more follies are committed out of complaisance to the world, than in following our own inclinations.

Nature is seldom in the wrong, custom always.

We have all our playthings. Happy are they who are contented with those they can obtain; those hours are spent in the wisest manner that can easiest shade the ills of life, and are the least productive of ill consequences.

No entertainment is so cheap as reading, nor any pleasure so lasting.

As marriage produces children, so children produce care and disputes; and wrangling.

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