No estimate is more in danger of erroneous calculations than those by which a man computes the force of his own genius.

The future is purchased by the present.

I have found you an argument; I am not obliged to find you an understanding.

The joy of life is variety; the tenderest love requires to be renewed by intervals of absence.

We ought not to raise expectations which it is not in our power to satisfy.-It is more pleasing to see smoke brightening into flame, than flame sinking into smoke.

Learn that the present hour alone is man's.

A man is in general better pleased when he has a good dinner upon his table, than when his wife talks Greek.

There is no kind of idleness by which we are so easily seduced as that which dignifies itself by the appearance of business.

Players, Sir! I look on them as no better than creatures set upon tables and joint stools to make faces and produce laughter, like dancing dogs.

If a man talks of his misfortunes there is something in them that is not disagreeable to him; for where there is nothing but pure misery there never is any recourse to the mention of it.