If there is such a thing as a good marriage, it is because it resembles friendship rather than love.

There is indeed a certain sense of gratification when we do a good deed that gives us inward satisfaction, and a generous pride that accompanies a good conscience…These testimonies of a good conscience are pleasant; and such a natural pleasure is very beneficial to us; it is the only payment that can never fail. “On Repentance

Is there anything so grave and serious as an ass?

Necessity reconciles and brings men together; and this accidental connection afterward forms itself into laws.

Is it reasonable that even the arts should take advantage of and profit by our natural stupidity and feebleness of mind?

Once you have decided to keep a certain pile, it is no longer yours; for you can't spend it.

So it is with minds. Unless you keep them busy with some definite subject that will bridle and control them, they throw themselves in disorder hither and yon in the vague field of imagination... And there is no mad or idle fancy that they do not bring forth in the agitation.