God is favorable to those whom he makes to die by degrees; 'tis the only benefit of old age. The last death will be so much the less painful: it will kill but a quarter of a man or but half a one at most.

Certainly, if he still has himself, a man of understanding has lost nothing.

Silence and modesty are very valuable qualities in conversation.

Obsession is the wellspring of genius and madness.

The first distinction among men, and the first consideration that gave one precedence over another, was doubtless the advantage of beauty.

It is commonly seene by experience, that excellent memories do rather accompany weake judgements.

Men are nothing until they are excited.