A father is very miserable who has no other hold on his children’s affection than the need they have of his assistance, if that can be called affection.

The virtue of the soul does not consist in flying high, but in walking orderly.

Opinion is a powerful party, bold, and without measure.

The beautiful souls are they that are universal, open, and ready for all things.

Tis well for old age that it is always accompanied with want of perception, ignorance, and a facility of being deceived. For should we see how we are used and would not acquiesce, what would become of us?

Obstinacy is the sister of constancy, at least in vigor and stability.

Obstinacy and dogmatism are the surest signs of stupidity. Is there anything more confident, resolute, disdainful, grave and serious than an ass?

Man is the sole animal whose nudities offend his own companions, and the only one who, in his natural actions, withdraws and hides himself from his own kind.

'Nature is a gentle guide, but not more sweet and gentle than prudent and just.

’Tis the taste of effeminacy that disrelishes ordinary and accustomed things.