My errors are by now natural and incorrigible; but the good that worthy men do the public by making themselves imitable, I shall perhaps do by making myself evitable.

My art and profession is to live.

The memory represents to us not what we choose but what it pleases.

Glory consists of two parts: the one in setting too great a value upon ourselves, and the other in setting too little a value upon others.

And therefore, Reader, I myself am the subject of my book: it is not reasonable that you should employ your leisure on a topic so frivolous and so vain. Therefore, Farewell.

Every man may speak truly, but to speak methodically, prudently, and fully is a talent that few men have.

The most ordinary things, the most common and familiar, if we could see them in their true light, would turn out to be the grandest miracles.