History is little more than the register of the crimes, follies, and misfortunes of mankind.
Their poverty secured their freedom, since our desires and our possessions are the strongest fetters of despotism.
But the power of instruction is seldom of much efficacy, except in those happy dispositions where it is almost superfluous.
Beauty is an outward gift which is seldom despised, except by those to whom it has been refused.
The courage of a soldier is found to be the cheapest and most common quality of human nature.
Of the various forms of government which have prevailed in the world, an hereditary monarchy seems to present the fairest scope for ridicule.
Hope, the best comfort of our imperfect condition.
The principles of a free constitution are irrecoverably lost, when the legislative power is nominated by the executive.
Our sympathy is cold to the relation of distant misery.
Unprovided with original learning, unformed in the habits of thinking, unskilled in the arts of composition, I resolved to write a book.
I never make the mistake of arguing with people for whose opinions I have no respect.
I was never less alone than when by myself.
History is indeed little more than the register of the crimes, follies, and misfortunes of mankind.