It is only reasonable to allow the administration of affairs to mothers before their children reach the age prescribed by law at which they themselves can be responsible. But that father would have reared them ill who could not hope that in their maturity they would have more wisdom and competence than his wife.

Experience teaches that a strong memory is generally joined to a weak judgment.

The finest souls are those that have the most variety and suppleness.

Even in the midst of compassion we feel within I know not what tart sweet titillation of malicious pleasure in seeing others suffer; children have the same feeling.

And obstinacy is the sister of constancy, at least in vigour and stability.

Nothing else but an insatiate thirst of enjoying a greedily desired object.

I neither complain of the past, nor do I fear the future.