Ambition is not a vice of little people.

In my youth I studied for ostentation; later, a little to gain wisdom; now, for recreation; never for gain.

Who so hath his mind on taking, hath it no more on what he taketh.

To compose our character is our duty, not to compose books, and to win, not battles and provinces, but order and tranquility in our conduct. Our great and glorious masterpiece is to live appropriately. All other things, ruling, hoarding, building, are only little appendages and props, at most.

Every period of life has its peculiar prejudices; whoever saw old age, that did not applaud the past, and condemn the present times?

We perceive no charms that are not sharpened, puffed out, and inflated by artifice. Those which glide along naturally and simply easily escape a sight so gross as ours.

No pleasure is fully delightful without communications, and no delight absolute except imparted.