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

He cast off his friends as a huntsman his pack, For he knew when he pleas'd he could whistle them back.

True generosity is a duty as indispensably necessary as those imposed upon us by the law. It is a rule imposed upon us by reason, which should be the sovereign law of a rational being.

And fools who came to scoff remain'd to pray.

Whichever way we look the prospect is disagreeable. Behind, we have left pleasures we shall never enjoy, and therefore regret; and before, we see pleasures which we languish to possess, and are consequently uneasy till we possess them.

The world is like a vast sea: mankind like a vessel sailing on its tempestuous bosom. ... [T]he sciences serve us for oars.

An emperor in his nightcap will not meet with half the respect of an emperor with a crown.