It is good to rub and polish our brain against that of others.

There are few things on which we can pass a sincere judgement, because there are few things in which we have not, in one way or another, a particular interest.

Things seem greater by imagination than they are in effect.

Every day I hear stupid people say things that are not stupid.

I enjoy books as misers enjoy treasures, because I know I can enjoy them whenever I please.

All passions that suffer themselves to be relished and digested are but moderate.

What a wonderful thing it is that drop of seed, from which we are produced, bears in itself the impressions, not only of the bodily shape, but of the thoughts and inclinations of our fathers!