Whoever thinks of going to bed before twelve o'clock is a scoundrel.

Nothing is more common than mutual dislike, where mutual approbation is particularly expected.

Lectures were once useful; but now when all can read, and books are so numerous, lectures are unnecessary.

No place affords a more striking conviction of the vanity of human hopes than a public library.

The fortitude which has encountered no dangers, that prudence which has surmounted no difficulties, that integrity which has been attacked by no temptation, can at best be considered but as gold not yet brought to the test, of which therefore the true value cannot be assigned.

You cannot spend money in luxury without doing good to the poor. Nay, you do more good to them by spending it in luxury, than by giving it; for by spending it in luxury, you make them exert industry, whereas by giving it, you keep them idle.

The pleasure of expecting enjoyment is often greater than that of obtaining it, and the completion of almost every wish is found a disappointment.