Man is a transitory being, and his designs must partake of the imperfections their author.

The parallel circumstances and kindred images to which we readily conform our minds are, above all other writings, to be found in the lives of particular persons, and therefore no species of writing seems more worthy of cultivation than biography.

Curiosity is the thirst of the soul.

That kind of life is most happy which affords us most opportunities of gaining our own esteem.

Words become low by the occasions to which they are applied, or the general character of them who use them; and the disgust which they produce arises from the revival of those images with which they are commonly united.

Now ... that you are going to marry, do not expect more from life, than life will afford.

It is scarcely credible to what degree discernment may be dazzled by the mist of pride, and wisdom infatuated by the intoxication of flattery.