Without frugality none can be rich, and with it very few would be poor.

Abstinence is as easy to me as temperance would be difficult.

Wine makes a man better pleased with himself. I do not say that it makes him more pleasing to others.

Every man is prompted by the love of himself to imagine that he possesses some qualities, superior, either in kind or degree, to those which he sees allotted to the rest of the world; and, whatever apparent disadvantages he may suffer in the comparison with others, he has some invisible distinctions, some latent reserve of excellence, which he throws into the balance, and by which he generally fancies that it is turned in his favour.

Few have abilities so much needed by the rest of the world as to be caressed on their own terms; and he that will not condescend to recommend himself by external embellishments must submit to the fate of just sentiment meanly expressed, and be ridiculed and forgotten before he is understood.

No man can enjoy happiness without thinking that he enjoys it.

Few things are impossible to diligence and skill.