And therefore, Reader, I myself am the subject of my book: it is not reasonable that you should employ your leisure on a topic so frivolous and so vain. Therefore, Farewell.

Who ever saw a doctor use the prescription of his colleague without cutting out or adding something?

Lawyers and physicians are an ill provision for any country.

Not being able to govern events, I govern myself, and apply myself to them if they will not apply themselves to me.

There are few things on which we can pass a sincere judgement, because there are few things in which we have not, in one way or another, a particular interest.

It is in vain that we get upon stilts, for once on them, it is still with our legs that we must walk. And on the highest throne in the world we are still sitting on our own ass.

Our wisdom and deliberation for the most part follow the lead of chance.