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

The very pink of perfection.

Aromatic plants bestow no spicy fragrance while they grow; but crush'd or trodden to the ground, diffuse their balmy sweets around.

The fortunate circumstances of our lives are generally found, at last, to be of our own producing.

Be not affronted at a joke. If one throw salt at thee, thou wilt receive no harm, unless thou art raw.

Tenderness is a virtue.

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.