Our own peculiar human condition is that we are as fit to be laughed at as able to laugh.

In nine lifetimes, you'll never know as much about your cat as your cat knows about you.

Our speech has its weaknesses and its defects, like all the rest. Most of the occasions for the troubles of the world are grammatical.

I seek in the reading of books, only to please myself, by an honest diversion.

A man who fears suffering is already suffering from what he fears.

We have the pleasures suitable to our lot; let us not usurp those of greatness. Ours are more natural and all the more solid and sure for being humbler. Since we will not do so out of conscience, at least out of ambition let us reject ambition.

We cannot do without it, and yet we disgrace and vilify the same. It may be compared to a cage, the birds without despair to get in, and those within despair to get out.