He that first likened glory to a shadow did better than he was aware of. They are both of them things excellently vain. Glory also, like a shadow, goes sometimes before the body, and sometimes in length infinitely exceeds it.

There is no doubt that Greek and Latin are great and handsome ornaments, but we buy them too dear.

The vulgar and common esteem is seldom happy in hitting right; and I am much mistaken if, amongst the writings of my time, the worst are not those which have most gained the popular applause.

Philosophical discussions habitually make men happy and joyful not frowning and sad.

There are few men who dare to publish to the world the prayers they make to Almighty God.

Of all our infirmities, the most savage is to despise our being.

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.