Great towns are but a large sort of prison to the soul; like cages to birds, or pounds to beasts.

The true science and study of mankind is man.

The advice of friends must be received with a judicious reserve; we must not give ourselves up to it and follow it blindly, whether right or wrong.

God, Nature, the wise, the world, preach man, exhort him both by word and deed to the study of himself.

Gratitude is a duty none can be excused from, because it is always at our own disposal.

Mutability is the badge of infirmity. It is seldom that a man continues to wish and design the same thing two days alike. Now he is for marrying; and now a mistress is preferred to a wife. Now he is ambitious and aspiring; presently the meanest servant is not more humble than he. This hour he squanders his money away; the next he turns miser. Sometimes he is frugal and serious; at other times profuse, airy, and gay.

Riches should be admitted into our houses, but not into our hearts; we may take them into our possession, but not into our affections.