Few men survey themselves with so much severity as not to admit prejudices in their own favour, which an artful flatterer may gradually strengthen, till wishes for a particular qualification are improved to hopes of attainment, and hopes of attainment to belief of possession.

The whole of life is but keeping away the thoughts of death.

Riches exclude only one inconvenience,--that is, poverty.

No man reads a book of science from pure inclination. The books that we do read with pleasure are light compositions, which contain a quick succession of events.

Revenge is an act of passion; vengeance of justice. Injuries are revenged; crimes are avenged.

Cunning has effect from the credulity of others, rather than from the abilities of those who are cunning. It requires no extraordinary talents to lie and deceive.

The cure for the greatest part of human miseries is not radical, but palliative.