As to precedents, to be sure they will increase in course of time; but the more precedents there are, the less occasion is there for law; that is to say, the less occasion is there for investigating principles.

Philosophers there are who try to make themselves believe that this life is happy; but they believe it only while they are saying it, and never yet produced conviction in a single mind.

The present time is seldom able to fill desire or imagination with immediate enjoyment, and we are forced to supply its deficiencies by recollection or anticipation.

Lawful and settled authority is very seldom resisted when it is well employed.

Advice is seldom welcome. Those who need it most, like it least.

There are, indeed, few kinds of composition from which an author, however learned or ingenious, can hope a long continuance of fame.

This is my history; like all other histories, a narrative of misery.