A continual feast of commendation is only to be obtained by merit or by wealth: many are therefore obliged to content themselves with single morsels, and recompense the infrequency of their enjoyment by excess and riot, whenever fortune sets the banquet before them.

We love to expect, and when expectation is either disappointed or gratified, we want to be again expecting.

The main of life is composed of small incidents and petty occurrences; of wishes for objects not remote, and grief for disappointments of no fatal consequence.

There are two types of knowledge. One is knowing a thing. The other is knowing where to find it.

A wise man is cured of ambition by ambition itself; his aim is so exalted that riches, office, fortune and favour cannot satisfy him.

There may be other reasons for a man's not speaking in publick than want of resolution: he may have nothing to say.

We are inclined to believe those whom we do not know because they have never deceived us.