It is fear that I stand most in fear of, in sharpness it exceeds every other feeling.

Men are most apt to believe what they least understand.

To divert myself from a troublesome fancy, it is but to run to my books; they presently fix me to them, and drive the other out of my thoughts, and do not mutiny to see that I have only recourse to them for want of other more, real, natural, and lively conveniences; they always receive me with the same kindness.

No wonder, said an Ancient, that chance has so much power over us, since it is by chance that we live.

To compose our character is our duty, not to compose books, and to win, not battles and provinces, but order and tranquillity in our conduct.

On the highest throne in the world, we still sit only on our own bottom.

Not because Socrates said so, but because it is in truth my own disposition — and perchance to some excess — I look upon all men as my compatriots, and embrace a Pole as a Frenchman, making less account of the national than of the universal and common bond.