I write to keep from going mad from the contradictions I find among mankind - and to work some of those contradictions out for myself.

What harm cause not those huge draughts or pictures which wanton youth with chalk or coals draw in each passage, wall or stairs of our great houses, whence a cruel contempt of our natural store is bred in them?

Fear sometimes adds wings to the heels, and sometimes nails them to the ground, and fetters them from moving.

No pleasure has any savor for me without communication.

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.

No wind serves him who addresses his voyage to no certain port.

God defend me from myself.