To be flattered is grateful, even when we know that our praises are not believed by those who pronounce them; for they prove, at least, our power, and show that our favour is valued, since it is purchased by the meanness of falsehood.

Money and time are the heaviest burdens of life, and... the unhappiest of all mortals are those who have more of either than they know how to use.

To hear complaints with patience, even when complaints are vain, is one of the duties of friendship.

Every government is perpetually degenerating towards corruption, from which it must be rescued at certain periods by the resuscitation of its first principles, and the re-establishment of its original constitution.

Sorrow is properly that state of the mind in which our desires are fixed upon the past without looking forward to the future.

Timidity is a disease of the mind, obstinate and fatal; for a man once persuaded that any impediment is insuperable has given it, with respect to himself, that strength and weight which it had not before.

It is wonderful what a difference learning makes upon people even in the common intercourse of life, which does not appear to be much connected with it.