I know no real worth but that tranquil firmness which seeks dangers by duty, and braves them without rashness.

Can princes born in palaces be sensible of the misery of those who dwell in cottages?

In all sorts of government man is made to believe himself free, and to be in chains.

There are few persons of greater worth than their reputation; but how many are there whose worth is far short of their reputation!

Is it not astonishing that the love of repose keeps us in continual agitation?

None are rash when they are not seen by anybody.

A well-read fool is the most pestilent of blockheads; his learning is a flail which he knows not how to handle, and with which he breaks his neighbor's shins as well as his own. Keep a fellow of this description at arm's length, as you value the integrity of your bones.