We are inclined to believe those whom we do not know because they have never deceived us.

Pain and disease awaken us to convictions which are necessary to our moral condition.

Those who do not feel pain seldom think that it is felt.

Some desire is necessary to keep life in motion, and he whose real wants are supplied must admit those of fancy.

That friendship may be at once fond and lasting, there must not only be equal virtue on each part, but virtue of the same kind; not only the same end must be proposed, but the same means must be approved by both.

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

Always set a high value on spontaneous kindness. He whose inclination prompts him to cultivate your friendship of his own accord, will love you more than one whom you have been at pains to attach to you.

It is not from reason and prudence that people marry, but from inclination.

Rain is good for vegetables, and for the animals who eat those vegetables, and for the animals who eat those animals.

A Scotchman must be a very sturdy moralist who does not love Scotland better than truth.