Pleasure and pain, though directly opposite, are yet so contrived by nature as to be constant companions; and it is a fact that the same motions and muscles of the face are employed both in laughing and crying.

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

Wounds and hardships provoke our courage, and when our fortunes are at the lowest, our wits and minds are commonly at the best.

All religions are pieced together out of elements which seem so at odds with reason that any intelligence laughs at them.

To owe an obligation to a worthy friend is a happiness, and can be no disparagement.

Despair is like forward children, who, when you take away one of their playthings, throw the rest into the fire for madness. It grows angry with itself, turns its own executioner, and revenges its misfortunes on its own head.

He who receives a benefit should never forget it; he who bestows should never remember it.