Almost all absurdity of conduct arises from the imitation of those who we cannot resemble.

Of many, imagined blessings it may be doubted whether he that wants or possesses them had more reason to be satisfied with his lot.

Nothing is more hopeless than a scheme of merriment.

Labor, if it were not necessary for existence, would be indispensable for the happiness of man.

To love their country has been considered as virtue in men, whose love could not be otherwise than blind, because their preference was made without, a comparison; but it has never been my fortune to find, either in ancient or modern writers, any honourable mention of those, who have, with equal blindness, hated their country.

Hope itself is a species of happiness, and, perhaps, the chief happiness which this world affords; but, like all other pleasures immoderately enjoyed, the excesses of hope must be expiated by pain.

Time is, of all modes of existence, most obsequious to the imagination.