In contemning the world, they seem to take pains to contemn it; we despise it, without taking the pains to read lessons of morality to make us do it.

At least I know I have always looked upon it with contempt, without being at the expense of one serious reflection to oblige me to it.

I carry the matter yet farther; was I to choose of two thousand pounds a year or twenty thousand, the first would be my choice.

There is something of an unavoidable _embarras_ in making what is called a great figure in the world; [it] takes off from the happiness of life; I hate the noise and hurry inseparable from great estates and titles, and look upon both as blessings that ought only to be given to fools, for 'tis only to them that they are blessings.

The pretty fellows you speak of, I own entertain me sometimes; but is it impossible to be diverted with what one despises?
I can laugh at a puppet-show; at the same time I know there is nothing in it worth my attention or regard.