Saying is one thing and doing is another; we are to consider the sermon and the preacher distinctly and apart.

Vexations may be petty, but they are vexations still.

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

Human understanding is marvellously enlightened by daily conversation with men, for we are, otherwise, compressed and heaped up in ourselves, and have our sight limited to the length of our own noses.

After a tongue has once got the knack of lying, it is not to be imagined how impossible almost it is to reclaim it. Whence it comes to pass, that we see some men, who are otherwise very honest, so subject to this vice.

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

Custom is a second nature, and no less powerful.