Experience teaches that a strong memory is generally joined to a weak judgment.

Petty vexations may at times be petty, but still they are vexations. The smallest and most inconsiderable annoyances are the most piercing. As small letters weary the eye most, so the smallest affairs disturb us most.

Books are pleasant, but if by being over-studious we impair our health and spoil our good humour, two of the best things we have, let us give it over. I, for my part, am one of those who think no fruit derived from them can recompense so great a loss.

I see men ordinarily more eager to discover a reason for things than to find out whether the things are so.

Life itself is neither a good nor an evil: life is where good or evil find a place, depending on how you make it for them.

Men ... are not agreed about any one thing, not even that heaven is over our heads.

I see this evident, that we willingly accord to piety only the services that flatter our passions.