Custom is the law of one description of fools, and fashion of another; but the two parties often clash--for precedent is the legislator of the first, and novelty of the last. Custom, therefore, looks to things that are past, and fashion to things that are present.

We should have a glorious conflagration, if all who cannot put fire into their works would only consent to put their works into the fire.

There is more jealousy between rival wits than rival beauties, for vanity has no sex. But in both cases there must be pretensions, or there will be no jealousy.

Make no enemies; he is insignificant indeed that can do thee no harm.

The benevolent have the advantage of the envious, even in this present life; for the envious man is tormented not only by all the ill that befalls himself, but by all the good that happens to another; whereas the benevolent man is the better prepared to bear his own calamities unruffled, from the complacency and serenity he has secured from contemplating the prosperity of all around him.

Corruption is like a ball of snow, once it's set a rolling it must increase.

It is far more easy to acquire a fortune like a knave, than to expend it, like a gentleman.