Of the opinions of philosophy I most gladly embrace those that are most solid, that is to say, most human and most our own; my opinions, in conformity with my conduct, are low and humble.

Marriage has, for its share, usefulness, justice, honour, and constancy; a stale but more durable pleasure. Love is grounded on pleasure alone, and it is indeed more gratifying to the senses, keener and more acute; a pleasure stirred and kept alive by difficulties. There must be a sting and a smart in it. It ceases to be love if it has no shafts and no fire.

Scratching is one of nature's sweetest gratifications, and nearest at hand.

I know that the arms of friendship are long enough to reach from the one end of the world to the other

The smallest annoyances, disturb us the most.

All we do is to look after the opinions and learning of others: we ought to make them our own.

Once conform, once do what others do because they do it, and a kind of lethargy steals over all the finer senses of the soul.