The polite of every country seem to have but one character. A gentleman of Sweden differs but little, except in trifles, from one of any other country. It is among the vulgar we are to find those distinctions which characterize a people.

Philosophy can add to our happiness in no other manner but by diminishing our misery; it should not pretend to increase our present stock, but make us economists of what we are possessed of. Happy were we all born philosophers; all born with a talent of thus dissipating our own cares by spreading them upon all mankind.

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

A book may be very amusing with numerous errors, or it may be very dull without a single absurdity.

The first time I read an excellent book, it is to me just as if I had gained a new friend. When I read a book over I have perused before, it resembles the meeting with an old one.

Conscience is a coward, and those faults it has not strength enough to prevent it seldom has justice enough to accuse.

Aspiring beggary is wretchedness itself.