What real good does an addition to a fortune already sufficient procure? Not any. Could the great man, by having his fortune increased, increase also his appetites, then precedence might be attended with real amusement.

To what fortuitous occurrence do we not owe every pleasure and convenience of our lives.

Those who place their affections at first on trifles for amusement, will find these trifles become at last their most serious concerns.

There is nothing magnanimous in bearing misfortunes with fortitude, when the whole world is looking on.... He who, without friends to encourage or even without hope to alleviate his misfortunes, can behave with tranquility and indifference, is truly great.

Hope is such a bait, it covers any hook.

And what is friendship but a name, A charm that lulls to sleep, A shade that follows wealth or fame, And leaves the wretch to weep?

When a person has no need to borrow they find multitudes willing to lend.