Genius in one grand particular is like life. We know nothing of either but by their effects.

Fashion is the veriest goddess of semblance and of shade; to be happy is of far less consequence to her worshippers than to appear so; even pleasure itself they sacrifice to parade, and enjoyment to ostentation.

If a cause be good, the most violent attack of its enemies will not injure it so much as an injudicious defence of it by its friends.

None are so seldom found alone, and are so soon tired of their own company, as those coxcombs who are on the best terms with themselves.

We often pretend to fear what we really despise, and more often despise what we really fear.

The sun should not set upon our anger, neither should he rise upon our confidence. We should forgive freely, but forget rarely. I will not be revenged, and this I owe to my enemy; but I will remember, and this I owe to myself.

It may be observed of good writing, as of good blood, that it is much easier to say what it is composed of than to compose it.