I have often seen people uncivil by too much civility, and tiresome in their courtesy.

There is a huge gulf between the man who follows the conventions and laws of his country and the man who sets out to regiment them and to change them.

I speak the truth, not my fill of it, but as much as I dare speak; and I dare to do so a little more as I grow old.

The world is but a school of inquisition; it is not who shall enter the ring, but who shall run the best courses.

Authors communicate with the people by some special extrinsic mark; I am the first to do so by my entire being, as Michel de Montaigne.

It is not my deeds that I write down, it is myself, my essence.

Books are pleasant, but if by being over-studious we impair our health and spoil our good humour, two of the best things we have, let us give it over. I, for my part, am one of those who think no fruit derived from them can recompense so great a loss.