Pleasure and pain, though directly opposite are contrived to be constant companions.

He that boasts of his ancestors confesses that he has no virtue of his own. No person ever lived for our honor; nor ought that to be reputed ours, which was long before we had a being; for what advantage can it be to a blind man to know that his parents had good eyes? Does he see one whit the better?

It is certainly much easier wholly to decline a passion than to keep it within just bounds and measures; and that which few can moderate almost anybody may prevent.

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

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.

The true science and study of mankind is man.

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