As soon as women become ours we are no longer theirs.

The greatest thing in the world is to know how to belong to oneself.

Whatever the Benefits of Fortune are , they yet require a Palate fit to relish and taste them; 'Tis Fruition, and not Possession, that renders us Happy.

Wonder is the foundation of all philosophy, inquiry the progress, ignorance the end.

I admire the assurance and confidence everyone has in himself, whereas there is hardly anything I am sure I know or that I dare give my word I can do.

Silence and modesty are very valuable qualities in conversation.

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.