All the arguments which are brought to represent poverty as no evil show it evidently to be a great evil.

Wealth is nothing in itself; it is not useful but when it departs from us.

Surely a long life must be somewhat tedious, since we are forced to call in so many trifling things to help rid us of our time, which will never return.

It may be observed in general that the future is purchased by the present. It is not possible to secure distant or permanent happiness but by the forbearance of some immediate gratification.

But though it cannot be reasonable not to gain happiness for fear of losing it, yet it must be confessed, that in proportion to the pleasure of possession, will be for some time our sorrow for the loss.

Great abilities are not requisite for an Historian; for in historical composition, all the greatest powers of the human mind are quiescent.

We suffer equal pain from the pertinacious adhesion of unwelcome images, as from the evanescence of those which are pleasing and useful.