Our minds, like our bodies, are in continual flux; something is hourly lost, and something acquired.... Do not suffer life to stagnate; it will grow muddy for want of motion: commit yourself again to the current of the world.

There must always be some advantage on one side or the other, and it is better that advantage should be had by talents than by chance.

Ease, a neutral state between pain and pleasure ... if it is not rising into pleasure will be falling towards pain.

A transition from an author's book to his conversation, is too often like an entrance into a large city.

If one was to think constantly of death, the business of life would stand still

It is the great privilege of poverty to be happy unenvied, to be healthful without physic, and secure without a guard; to obtain from the bounty of nature, what the great and wealthy are compelled to procure by the help of artists and attendants, of flatterers and spies.

Language is the dress of thought; every time you talk your mind is on parade.