A speech belongs half to the speaker and half to the listener.

'Tis the sharpness of our mind that gives the edge to our pains and pleasures.

No man divulges his revenue, or at least which way it comes in: but every one publishes his acquisitions.

From Obedience and submission comes all our virtues, and all sin is comes from self-opinion.

The laws keep up their credit, not by being just, but because they are laws; 'tis the mystic foundation of their authority; they have no other, and it well answers their purpose. They are often made by fools; still oftener by men who, out of hatred to equality, fail in equity; but always by men, vain and irresolute authors.

A father is very miserable who has no other hold on his children's affection than the need they have of his assistance, if that can be called affection.

Oh these foolish men! They could not create so much as a worm, but they create gods by the dozens.