Such is the constitution of man that labour may be styled its own reward; nor will any external incitements be requisite, if it be considered how much happiness is gained, and how much misery escaped, by frequent and violent agitation of the body.

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

A newswriter is a man without virtue, who lies at home for his own profit.

It is true that of far the greater part of things, we must content ourselves with such knowledge as description may exhibit, or analogy supply; but it is true likewise, that these ideas are always incomplete, and that at least, till we have compared them with realities, we do not know them to be just. As we see more, we become possessed of more certainties, and consequently gain more principles of reasoning, and found a wider base of analogy.

We seldom require more to the happiness of the present hour than to surpass him that stands next before us.

This man [Chesterfield], I thought, had been a Lord among wits; but I find he is only a wit among Lords.

Every man has some favorite topic of conversation, on which, by a feigned seriousness of attention, he may be drawn to expatiate without end.