Therefore all just persons are satisfied with their own praise. They refuse to explain themselves, and are content that new actions should do them that office. They believe that we communicate without speech, and above speech, and that no right action of ours is quite unaffecting to our friends, at whatever distance; for the influence of action is not to be measured by miles.

As much wisdom may be expended on a private economy as on an empire, and as much wisdom may be drawn from it.

This whole business of Trade gives me to pause and think, as it constitutes false relations between men; inasmuch as I am prone tocount myself relieved of any responsibility to behave well and nobly to that person who I pay with money, whereas if I had not that commodity, I should be put on my good behavior in all companies, and man would be a benefactor to man, as being himself his only certificate that he had a right to those aids and services which each asked of the other.

Nature suffers nothing to remain in her kingdom which cannot help itself.

I covet truth; beauty is unripe childhood's cheat; I leave it behind with the games of youth.

The poor are only they who feel poor.

What omniscience has music! So absolutely impersonal, and yet every sufferer feels his secret sorrow soothed.