Human life is everywhere a state in which much is to be endured, and little to be enjoyed.

Commerce can never be at a stop while one man wants what another can supply; and credit will never be denied, while it is likely to be repaid with profit.

Corneille is to Shakespeare as a clipped hedge is to a forest.

Life, however short, is made still shorter by waste of time.

Our senses, our appetite, and our passions are our lawful and faithful guides in things that relate solely to this life.

Nothing is more idle than to inquire after happiness, which nature has kindly placed within our reach.

There is nothing which has yet been contrived by man, by which so much happiness is produced as by a good tavern.