Before dinner men meet with great inequality of understanding; and those who are conscious of their inferiority have the modesty not to talk; when they have drunk wine, every man feels himself happy, and loses that modesty, and grows impudent and vociferous; but he is not improved; he is only not sensible of his defects.

There seems to be a strange affectation in authors of appearing to have done everything by chance.

There must always be some advantage on one side or the other, and it is better that advantage should be had by talents than by chance.

Life has no pleasure higher or nobler than that of friendship.

Nothing will ever be attempted if all possible objections must first be overcome.

If the abuse be enormous, nature will rise up, and claiming her original rights, overturn a corrupt political system.

Irresolution and mutability are often the faults of men whose views are wide, and whose imagination is vigorous and excursive.