Unprovided with original learning, unformed in the habits of thinking, unskilled in the arts of composition, I resolved to write a book.

• I was never less alone than when by myself.
• Beauty is an outward gift which is seldom despised, except by those to whom it has been refused.
• Our work is the presentation of our capabilities.
• The courage of a soldier is found to be the cheapest and most common quality of human nature.
• Their poverty secured their freedom, since our desires and our possessions are the strongest fetters of despotism.
• I understand by this passion the union of desire, friendship, and tenderness, which is inflamed by a single female, which prefers her to the rest of her sex, and which seeks her possession as the supreme or the sole happiness of our being.
• Of the various forms of government which have prevailed in the world, an hereditary monarchy seems to present the fairest scope for ridicule.
• I understand by this passion the union of desire, friendship, and tenderness, which is inflamed by a single female, which prefers her to the rest of her sex, and which seeks her possession as the supreme or the sole happiness of our being.
• History is indeed little more than the register of the crimes, follies, and misfortunes of mankind.
• History is little more than the register of the crimes, follies, and misfortunes of mankind.