Plenty is the original cause of many of our needs; and even the poverty, which is so frequent and distressful in civilized nations, proceeds often from that change of manners which opulence has produced. Nature makes us poor only when we want necessaries; but custom gives the name of poverty to the want of superfluities.

What we hope ever to do with ease, we must learn first to do with diligence.

He who would have fine guests, let him have a fine wife.

If I have said something to hurt a man once, I shall not get the better of this by saying many things to please him.

Sir, I have found you an argument; but I am not obliged to find you an understanding.

It is our first duty to serve society.

He who waits to do a great deal of good at once will never do anything.