Gravity is of the very essence of imposture; it does not only mistake other things, but is apt perpetually almost to mistake itself.

Temper, if ungoverned, governs the whole man.

Nothing is more ridiculous than ridicule.

In nature, all is managed for the best with perfect frugality and just reserve, profuse to none, but bountiful to all; never employing on one thing more than enough, but with exact economy retrenching the superfluous, and adding force to what is principal in everything.

The most natural beauty in the world is honesty and moral truth. For all beauty is truth. True features make the beauty of the face; true proportions, the beauty of architecture; true measures, the beauty of harmony and music.

When men are easy in themselves, they let others remain so.

Nothing affects the heart like that which is purely from itself, and of its own nature; such as the beauty of sentiments, the grace of actions, the turn of characters, and the proportions and features of a human mind.