Levellers wish to level down as far as themselves; but they cannot bear levelling up to themselves.

Everybody loves to have things which please the palate put in their way, without trouble or preparation.

That is the happiest conversation where there is no competition, no vanity, but a calm, quiet interchange of sentiments...

All is not gold that glitters, as we have often been told; and the adage is verified in your place and my favour; but if what happens does not make us richer, we must bid it welcome, if it makes us wiser.

The habit of looking on the bright side of every event is worth more than a thousand pounds a year.

Dishonor waits on perfidy. A man should blush to think a falsehood; it is the crime of cowards.

Life consists not of a series of illustrious actions or elegant enjoyments. The greater part of our time passes in compliance with necessities, in the performance of daily duties, in the removal of small inconveniences, in the procurement of petty pleasures; and we are well or ill at ease, as the main stream of life glides on smoothly, or is ruffled by small obstacles and frequent interruption.