Almost every man wastes part of his life attempting to display qualities which he does not possess.

Time quickly puts an end to artificial and accidental fame

Solitude is dangerous to reason, without being favourable to virtue. Remember that the solitary mortal is certainly luxurious, probably superstitious, and possibly mad.

This was a good dinner enough, to be sure, but it was not a dinner to ask a man to.

In order that all men may be taught to speak truth, it is necessary that all likewise should learn to hear it; for no species of falsehood is more frequent than flattery, to which the coward is betrayed by fear, the dependent by interest, and the friend by tenderness: those who are neither servile nor timorous are yet desirous to bestow pleasure; and, while unjust demands of praise continue to be made, there will always be some whom hope, fear, or kindness will dispose to pay them.

He that accepts protection, stipulates obedience.

He who does not mind his belly, will hardly mind anything else.