The most rational cure after all for the inordinate fear of death is to set a just value on life.

The confession of our failings is a thankless office. It savors less of sincerity or modesty than of ostentation. It seems as if we thought our weaknesses as good as other people's virtues.

The vain man makes a merit of misfortune, and triumphs in his disgrace.

Death is the greatest evil, because it cuts off hope.

Wonder at the first sight of works of art may be the effect of ignorance and novelty; but real admiration and permanent delight in them are the growth of taste and knowledge.

Society is a more level surface than we imagine. Wise men or absolute fools are hard to be met with, as there are few giants or dwarfs.

The chain of habit coils itself around the heart like a serpent, to gnaw and stifle it.