You may translate books of science exactly. ... The beauties of poetry cannot be preserved in any language except that in which it was originally written.

Admiration and love are like being intoxicated with champagne; judgment and friendship are like being enlivened.

What a strange narrowness of mind now is that, to think the things we have not known are better than the things we have known.

Nothing is more idle than to inquire after happiness, which nature has kindly placed within our reach.

I am sorry I have not learnt to play at cards. It is very useful in life: it generates kindness, and consolidates society.

Languages are the pedigree of nations.

No man is without some quality, by the due application of which he might deserve well of the world; and whoever he be that has but little in his power should be in haste to do that little, lest he be confounded with him that can do nothing.