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

Who is only good that others may know it, and that he may be the better esteemed when 'tis known, who will do well but upon condition that his virtue may be known to men, is one from whom much service is not to be expected.

What kind of truth is it which has these mountains as its boundary and is a lie beyond them?

Men are tormented by the opinions they have of things, and not the things themselves.

No man is so exquisitely honest or upright in living, but that ten times in his life he might not lawfully be hanged.

There is little less trouble in governing a private family than a whole kingdom.

Whenever a new discovery is reported to the world, they say first, It is probably not true, Then after, when the truth of the new proposition has been demonstrated beyond question, they say, Yes, it may be true, but it is not important. Finally, when sufficient time has elapsed to fully evidence its importance, they say, Yes, surely it is important, but it is no longer new.