Even the most beautiful scenery is no longer assured of our love after we have lived in it for three months, and some distant coast attracts our avarice: possessions are generally diminished by possession.

A good author possesses not only his own intellect, but also that of his friends.

What is the vanity of the vainest man compared with the vanity which the most modest possesses when, in the midst of nature and the world, he feels himself to be ''man''!

Living in a constant chase after gain compels people to expend their spirit to the point of exhaustion

Not necessity, not desire /no, the love of power is the demon of men. Let them have everything /health, food, a place to live, entertainment /they are and remain unhappy and low-spirited: for the demon waits and waits and will be satisfied.

What win I, if I gain the thing I seek?
A dream, a breath, a froth of fleeting joy.
Who buys a minute's mirth to wail a week?
Or sells eternity to get a toy?
For one sweet grape who will the vine destroy?
Or what fond beggar, but to touch the crown,
Would with the sceptre straight be strucken down?