There is no sterner moralist than pleasure.

There is no sterner moralist than pleasure.

Pleasure admitted in undue degree
Enslaves the will, nor leaves the judgment free.

Pleasure admitted in undue degree
Enslaves the will, nor leaves the judgment free.

But pleasures are like poppies spread;
You seize the flower, its bloom is shed.
Or like the read more

But pleasures are like poppies spread;
You seize the flower, its bloom is shed.
Or like the snow falls in the river,
A moment white--then melts forever.

Pleasure for one hour, a bottle of wine. Pleasure for one year a marriage; but pleasure for a lifetime, a read more

Pleasure for one hour, a bottle of wine. Pleasure for one year a marriage; but pleasure for a lifetime, a garden.

Let the fictitious sources of pleasure be as near as possible to
the true.
[Lat., Ficta voluptatis causa read more

Let the fictitious sources of pleasure be as near as possible to
the true.
[Lat., Ficta voluptatis causa sint proxima veris.]

Pleasure is the greatest incentive to evil.

Pleasure is the greatest incentive to evil.

Doubtless the pleasure is as great
Of being cheated as to cheat.

Doubtless the pleasure is as great
Of being cheated as to cheat.

When the idea of any pleasure strikes your imagination, make a just computation between the duration of the pleasure and read more

When the idea of any pleasure strikes your imagination, make a just computation between the duration of the pleasure and that of the repentance that is likely to follow it.

Pleasure blinds (so to speak) the eyes of the mind, and has no
fellowship with virtue.
[Lat., Voluptas read more

Pleasure blinds (so to speak) the eyes of the mind, and has no
fellowship with virtue.
[Lat., Voluptas mentis (ut ita dicam) praestringit oculos, nec
habet ullum cum virtute commercium.]