No man is much regarded by the rest of the world. He that considers how little he dwells upon the condition of others, will learn how little the attention of others is attracted by himself. While we see multitudes passing before us, of whom perhaps not one appears to deserve our notice or excites our sympathy, we should remember, that we likewise are lost in the same throng, that the eye which happens to glance upon us is turned in a moment on him that follows us, and that the utmost which we can reasonably hope or fear is to fill a vacant hour with prattle, and be forgotten.

It is very common for us to desire most what we are least qualified to obtain.

No one is much pleased with a companion who does not increase, in some respect, their fondness for themselves.

You despise a man for avarice; but you do not hate him.

Politics are now nothing more than means of rising in the world.

That is the happiest conversation where there is no competition, no vanity, but a calm, quiet interchange of sentiments...

Good sense alone is a sedate and quiescent quality, which manages its possessions well, but does not increase them; it collects few materials for its own operations, and preserves safety, but never gains supremacy.