Don't let us make imaginary evils, when you know we have so many real ones to encounter.

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.

We had no revolutions to fear, nor fatigues to undergo; all our adventures were by the fireside, and all our migrations from the blue bed to the brown.

Philosophy ... should not pretend to increase our present stock, but make us economists of what we are possessed of.

Error is always talkative.

Friendship is a disinterested commerce between equals; love, an abject intercourse between tyrants and slaves.

Both wit and understanding are trifles without integrity; it is that which gives value to every character. The ignorant peasant, without fault, is greater than the philosopher with many; for what is genius or courage without a heart?