Let him that desires to see others happy, make haste to give while his gift can be enjoyed, and remember that every moment of delay takes away something from the value of his benefaction.

Almost all the moral good which is left among us is the apparent effect of physical evil.

As I know more of mankind I expect less of them, and am ready now to call a man a good man upon easier terms than I was formerly.

I would not give half a guinea to live under one form of government rather than another. It is of no moment to the happiness of an individual.

No man was ever great by imitation.

Whatever is formed for long duration arrives slowly to its maturity.

A peasant and a philosopher may be equally satisfied, but not equally happy Happiness consists in the multiplicity of agreeable consciousness.

Happiness is enjoyed only in proportion as it is known; and such is the state or folly of man, that it is known only by experience of its contrary.

We are long before we are convinced that happiness is never to be found, and each believes it possessed by others, to keep alive the hope of obtaining it for himself.

Every man has a lurking wish to appear considerable in his native place.