Silence and modesty are very valuable qualities in conversation.

Ambition is, of all other, the most contrary humor to solitude; and glory and repose are so inconsistent that they cannot possibly inhabit one and the same place; and for so much as I understand, those have only their arms and legs disengaged from the crowd, their mind and intention remain engaged behind more than ever.

To how many blockheads of my time has a cold and taciturn demeanor procured the credit of prudence and capacity!

We cannot do without it, and yet we disgrace and vilify the same. It may be compared to a cage, the birds without despair to get in, and those within despair to get out.

No pleasure is fully delightful without communications, and no delight absolute except imparted.

No man is a hero to his own valet.

Socrates, who was a perfect model in all great qualities, ... hit on a body and face so ugly and so incongruous with the beauty of his soul, he who was so madly in love with beauty.