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

My chief study all my life has been to lighten misfortunes and multiply pleasures, as far as human nature can.

Forgive what you can't excuse.

I hate the noise and hurry inseparable from great Estates and Titles, and look upon both as blessings that ought only to be given to fools, for 'Tis only to them that they are blessings.

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

The familiarities of the gaming-table contribute very much to the decay of politeness ... The pouts and quarrels that naturally arise from disputes must put an end to all complaisance, or even good will towards one another.

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.