The most profound joy has more of gravity than of gaiety in it.

Tis the taste of effeminacy that disrelishes ordinary and accustomed things.

A hair shirt does not always render those chaste who wear it.

The corruption of the age is made up by the particular contribution of every individual man; some contribute treachery, others injustice, atheism, tyranny, avarice, cruelty, according to their power.

Stubborn and ardent clinging to one's opinion is the best proof of stupidity.

The human face is a weak guarantee; yet it deserves some consideration. And if I had to whip the wicked, I would do so more severely to those who belied and betrayed the promises that nature had implanted on their brows; I would punish malice more harshly when it was hidden under a kindly appearance.

As great enmities spring from great friendships, and mortal distempers from vigorous health, so do the most surprising and the wildest frenzies from the high and lively agitations of our souls.