We find many things to which the prohibition of them constitutes the only temptation.

A man who does not endeavour to seem more than he is will generally be thought nothing of. We habitually make such large deductions for pretence and imposture that no real merit will stand against them. It is necessary to set off our good qualities with a certain air of plausibility and self-importance, as some attention to fashion is necessary.

To speak highly of one with whom we are intimate is a species of egotism. Our modesty as well as our jealousy teaches us caution on this subject.

No one ever approaches perfection except by stealth, and unknown to themselves.

The definition of genius is that it acts unconsciously, and those who have produced immortal works have done so without knowing how or why.

Indolence is a delightful but distressing state; we must be doing something to be happy. Action is no less necessary than thought to the instinctive tendencies of the human frame.

We are governed by sympathy; and the extent of our sympathy is determined by that of our sensibility