It is only those who never think at all, or else who have accustomed themselves to blood invariably on abstract ideas, that ever feel ennui.

The true barbarian is he who thinks everything barbarous but his own tastes and prejudices.

There are few things in which we deceive ourselves more than in the esteem we profess to entertain for our firends. It is little better than a piece of quackery. The truth is, we think of them as we please, that is, as they please or displease us.

Sincerity has to do with the connexion between our words and thoughts, and not between our beliefs and actions.

The most fluent talkers or most plausible reasoners are not always the justest thinkers.

The way to procure insults is to submit to them. A man meets with no more respect than he exacts.

If we wish to know the force of human genius, we should read Shakespeare. If we wish to see the insignificance of human learning, we may study his commentators.