So long as we stand in need of a benefit, there is nothing dearer to us; nor anything cheaper when we have received it.

Some read books only with a view to find fault, while others read only to be taught; the former are like venomous spiders, extracting a poisonous quality, where the latter, like the bees, sip out a sweet and profitable juice.

Figure-flingers and star-gazers pretend to foretell the fortunes of kingdoms, and have no foresight in what concerns themselves.

The lowest boor may laugh on being tickled, but a man must have intelligence to be amused by wit.

The very soul of the slothful does effectually but lie drowsing in his body, and the whole man is totally given up to his senses.

Money does all things,--for it gives and it takes away; it makes honest men and knaves, fools and philosophers; and so forward, mutatis mutandis, to the end of the chapter.

To be longing for this thing to-day and for that thing to-morrow; to change likings for loathings, and to stand wishing and hankering at a venture--how is it possible for any man to be at rest in this fluctuant, wandering humor and opinion?