If animated with my subject, I express my thoughts with ease, but, in ordinary conversations, I can say nothing -- absolutely nothing; and, being obliged to speak, renders them insupportable.
I may add, that none of my predominant inclinations centre in those pleasures which are to be purchased: money empoisons my delight; I must have them unadulterated; I love those of the table, for instance, but cannot endure the restraints of good company, or the intemperance of taverns; I can enjoy them only with a friend, for alone it is equally impossible; my imagination is then so occupied with other things, that I find no pleasure in eating.

Women who are to be purchased have no charms for me; my beating heart cannot be satisfied without affection; it is the same with every other enjoyment, if not truly disinterested, they are absolutely insipid; in a word, I am fond of those things which are only estimable to minds formed for the peculiar enjoyment of them.
I never thought money so desirable as it is usually imagined; if you would enjoy you must transform it; and this transformation is frequently attended with inconvenience; you must bargain, purchase, pay dear, be badly served, and often duped.

I buy an egg, am assured it is new-laid -- I find it stale; fruit in its utmost perfection--'tis absolutely green.
I love good wine, but where shall I get it?
Not at my wine merchant's -- he will poison me to a certainty.

I wish to be universally respected; how shall I compass my design?
I must make friends, send messages, write letters, come, go, wait, and be frequently deceived.

Money is the perpetual source of uneasiness; I fear it more than I love good wine.
A thousand times, both during and since my apprenticeship, have I gone out to purchase some nicety, I approach the pastry-cook's, perceive some women at the counter, and imagine they are laughing at me.