We are no longer happy so soon as we wish to be happier.

The vain poet is of the opinion that nothing of his can be too much: he sends to you basketful after basketful of juiceless fruit, covered with scentless flowers.

The most pernicious of absurdities is that weak, blind, stupid faith is better than the constant practice of every human virtue.

If in argument we can make a man angry with us, we have drawn him from his vantage ground and overcome him.

The habit of pleasing by flattery makes a language soft; the fear of offending by truth makes it circuitous and conventional.

Great men always pay deference to greater.

The only effect of public punishment is to show the rabble how bravely it can be borne; and that every one who hath lost a toe-nail hath suffered worse.