Without life there can be no action — no objects of pursuit — no restless desires — no tormenting passions. Hence it is that we fondly cling to it — that we dread its termination as the close, not of enjoyment, but of hope.

The secret of the difficulties of those people who make a great deal of money, and yet are always in want of it, is this-they throw it away as soon as they get it on the first whim or extravagance that strikes them, and have nothing left to meet ordinary expenses or discharge old debts.

Popularity disarms envy in well-disposed minds. Those are ever the most ready to do justice to others who feel that the world has done them justice. When success has not this effect in opening the mind, it is a sign that it has been ill deserved.

We talk little when we do not talk about ourselves.

A lively blockhead in company is a public benefit. Silence or dulness by the side of folly looks like wisdom.

The insolence of the vulgar is in proportion to their ignorance. They treat everything with contempt which they do not understand.

A King (as such) is not a great man. He has great power, but it is not his own.