Custom is a second nature, and no less powerful.

Is it reasonable that even the arts should take advantage of and profit by our natural stupidity and feebleness of mind?

Those things that are dearest to us have cost us the most.

There is no course of life so weak and sottish as that which is managed by order, method, and discipline.

Our truth of nowadays is not what is, but what others can be convinced of; just as we call "money" not only that which is legal, but also any counterfeit that will pass.

We feel a kind of bittersweet pricking of malicious delight in contemplating the misfortunes of others.

No-one is exempt from speaking nonsense – the only misfortune is to do it solemnly.