The uncertainty of death is, in effect, the great support of the whole system of life.

Slavery is now nowhere more patiently endured, than in countries once inhabited by the zealots of liberty.

Except during the nine months before he draws his first breath, no man manages his affairs as well as a tree. We are inclined to believe those whom we do not know because they have never deceived us.

Criticism is a study by which men grow important and formidable at very small expense. The power of invention has been conferred by nature upon few, and the labour of learning those sciences which may, by mere labour, be obtained, is too great to be willingly endured; but every man can exert some judgment as he has upon the works of others; and he whom nature has made weak, and idleness keeps ignorant, may yet support his vanity by the name of critic.

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

Timidity is a disease of the mind, obstinate and fatal; for a man once persuaded that any impediment is insuperable has given it, with respect to himself, that strength and weight which it had not before.

Every state of society is as luxurious as it can be. Men always take the best they can get.