Those men who are commended by everybody must be very extraordinary men; or, which is more probable, very inconsiderable men.

Avarice starves its possessor to fatten those who come after, and who are eagerly awaiting the demise of the accumulator.

To divest one's self of some prejudices would be like taking off the skin to feel the better.

Man is the only creature endowed with the power of laughter.

The brains of a pedant however full, are vacant.

It is not enough that you can form nay, and follow, the most excellent rules for conducting yourself in the world. You must also know when to deviate from them, and where lies the exception.

I hardly know so melancholy a reflection as that parents are necessarily the sole directors of the management of children, whether they have or have not judgment, penetration or taste to perform the task.