One of the duties of old-age, is the management of time. The less that remains to us, the more valuable we ought to consider it. (p. 121). - Anne-Thérèse de Marguenat de Courcelles

The love of esteem is the life and soul of society; it unites us to one another : I want your approbation, you stand in need of mine. By forsaking the converse of men, we forsake the virtues necessary for society; for when one is alone, one is apt to grow negligent; the world forces you to have a guard over yourself. (p. 155).

We fancy frequently that we have no grudge but against the men, when indeed our malignity is owing to their places : persons in great posts never yet enjoyed them with the good liking of the world, which only begins to do them justice when they are out of place. (p. 148).

To live in perpetual employment, is to travel rapidly through life. Tranquility lengthens our existence. (p. 136).