It is setting a high value upon our opinions to roast men and women alive on account of them.

We endeavor more that men should speak of us, than how and what they speak, and it sufficeth us that our name run in men's mouths, in what manner soever. It stemma that to be known is in some sort to have life and continuance in other men's keeping.

There is no virtue which does not rejoice a well-descended nature; there is a kind of I know not what congratulation in well-doing, that gives us an inward satisfaction, and a certain generous boldness that accompanies a good conscience.

When all is summed up, a man never speaks of himself without loss; his accusations of himself are always believed; his praises never.

There is a certain consideration, and a general duty of humanity, that binds us not only to the animals, which have life and feeling, but even to the trees and plants. We owe justice to people, and kindness and benevolence to all other creatures who may be susceptible of it. There is some intercourse between them and us, and some mutual obligation.

Custom is a second nature, and no less powerful.

In the education of children there is nothing like alluring the interest and affection; otherwise you only make so many asses laden with books.