We fancy that our afflictions are sent us directly from above; sometimes we think it in piety and contrition, but oftener in moroseness and discontent.

A true philosopher is beyond the reach of fortune.

Every great writer is a writer of history, let him treat on almost what subject he may.

Ridicule has followed the vestiges of truth, but never usurped her place.

Great men too often have greater faults than little men can find room for.

Friendship may sometimes step a few paces in advance of truth.

It has been my fortune to love in general those men most who have thought most differently from me, on subjects wherein others pardon no discordance. I think I have no more right to be angry with a man, whose reason has followed up a process different from what mine has, and is satisfied with the result, than with one who has gone to Venice while I am at Siena, and who writes to me that he likes the place.