The difference between the vanity of a Frenchman and an Englishman seems to be this: the one thinks everything right that is French, the other thinks everything wrong that is not English.

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

The only true retirement is that of the heart; the only true leisure is the repose of the passions. To such persons it makes little difference whether they are young or old; and they die as they have lived, with graceful resignation.

A grave blockhead should always go about with a lively one - they show one another off to the best advantage.

Zeal will do more than knowledge.

Familiarity confounds all traits of distinction; interest and prejudice take away the power of judging.

So I have loitered my life away, reading books, looking at pictures, going to plays, hearing, thinking, writing on what pleased me best. I have wanted only one thing to make me happy, but wanting that have wanted everything.