Luxury is the first, second and third cause of the ruin of republics. It is the vampire which soothes us read more

Luxury is the first, second and third cause of the ruin of republics. It is the vampire which soothes us into a fatal slumber while it sucks the lifeblood of our veins.

Like sending them ruffles, when wanting a shirt.

Like sending them ruffles, when wanting a shirt.

To treat a poor wretch with a bottle of Burgundy, and fill his
snuff-box, is like giving a pair read more

To treat a poor wretch with a bottle of Burgundy, and fill his
snuff-box, is like giving a pair of laced ruffles to a man that
has never a shirt on his back.

The undressed is vulgar - the nude is pure

The undressed is vulgar - the nude is pure

Expressions of disapproval are on a level of vulgarity that cannot be tolerated. The way to express disapproval is to read more

Expressions of disapproval are on a level of vulgarity that cannot be tolerated. The way to express disapproval is to do without applause.

Vulgarity begins when imagination succumbs to the explicit.

Vulgarity begins when imagination succumbs to the explicit.

Poverty wants some things, Luxury many things, Avarice all things

Poverty wants some things, Luxury many things, Avarice all things

Luxury and dissipation, soft and gentle as their approaches are,
and silently as they throw their silken chains about read more

Luxury and dissipation, soft and gentle as their approaches are,
and silently as they throw their silken chains about the heart,
enslave it more than the most active and turbulent vices.

I always thought I should be treated like a star.

I always thought I should be treated like a star.