'Tis the sharpness of our mind that gives the edge to our pains and pleasures.

And with Epicurus, I conceive that pleasures are to be avoided if greater pains be the consequence, and pains to be coveted that will terminate in greater pleasures

It is the mind that maketh good or ill, That maketh wretch or happy, rich or poor.

Wit is a dangerous weapon, even to the possessor, if he knows not how to use it discreetly

The most fruitful and natural exercise for our minds is, in my opinion, conversation.

I find I am much prouder of the victory I obtain over myself, when, in the very ardor of dispute, I make myself submit to my adversary’s force of reason, than I am pleased with the victory I obtain over him through his weakness.