All opinions in the world agree in this, that pleasure is our end, although they differ as to the means of attaining it.

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.

There is no doubt that Greek and Latin are great and handsome ornaments, but we buy them too dear.

A man should ever, as much as in him lieth, be ready booted to take his journey, and above all things look he have then nothing to do but with himself.

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.

In my youth I studied for ostentation; later, a little to gain wisdom; now, for recreation; never for gain.

Nothing is so firmly believed as what we least know.