Wonder is the foundation of all philosophy; research, the progress; ignorance, the end. There is, by heavens, a strong and generous kind of ignorance that yields nothing, for honour and courage, to knowledge: an ignorance to conceive which needs no less knowledge than to conceive knowledge.

Let [children] be able to do all things, and love to do only the good.

The most evident token and apparent sign of true wisdom is a constant and unconstrained rejoicing.

A good marriage ... is a sweet association in life: full of constancy, trust, and an infinite number of useful and solid services and mutual obligations.

Death, they say, acquits us of all obligations.

There is a certain amount of purpose, acquiescence, and satisfaction in nursing one's melancholy.

I would have every man write what he knows and no more.