The most universal quality is diversity.

Oh, what a valiant faculty is hope, that in a mortal subject, and in a moment, makes nothing of usurping infinity, immensity, eternity, and of supplying its masters indigence, at its pleasure, with all things he can imagine or desire!

I do not correct my first imaginings by my second--well, yes, perhaps a word or so, but only to vary, not to delete. I want to represent the course of my humors and I want people to see each part at its birth.

The strangest, most generous, and proudest of all virtues is true courage.

Our truth of nowadays is not what is, but what others can be convinced of; just as we call "money" not only that which is legal, but also any counterfeit that will pass.

The most unhappy and frail creatures are men and yet they are the proudest.

The worst of my actions or conditions seem not so ugly unto me as I find it both ugly and base not to dare to avouch for them.