Imagination cannot make fools wise, but it makes them happy, as against reason, which only makes its friends wretched: one covers them with glory, the other with shame.

Excuse me, pray." Without that excuse I would not have known there was anything amiss.

Our own interests are still an exquisite means for dazzling our eyes agreeably.

When a soldier complains of his hard life (or a labourer, etc.) try giving him nothing to do.

Justice and truth are two such subtle points, that our tools are too blunt to touch them accurately.

If you want others to have a good opinion of you, say nothing.

Mediocrity makes the most of its native possessions.