Life is not long, and too much of it must not pass in idle deliberation how it shall be spent.

To proportion the eagerness of contest to its importance seems too hard a task for human wisdom. The pride of wit has kept ages busy in the discussion of useless questions, and the pride of power has destroyed armies, to gain or to keep unprofitable possessions.

It is to be steadily inculcated, that virtue is the highest proof of understanding, and the only solid basis of greatness.

I would not give half a guinea to live under one form of government rather than another. It is of no moment to the happiness of an individual.

Pension: An allowance made to anyone without an equivalent. In England it is generally understood to mean pay given to a state hireling for treason to his country.

Love is only one of many passions.

I am a friend to subordination, as most conducive to the happiness of society. There is a reciprocal pleasure in governing and being governed.