There are some frauds so well conducted that it would be stupidity not to be deceived by them.

Living authors, therefore, are usually, bad companions. If they have not gained character, they seek to do so by methods often ridiculous, always disgusting; and if they have established a character, they are silent for fear of losing by their tongue what they have acquired by their pen--for many authors converse much more foolishly than Goldsmith, who have never written half so well.

As there are none so weak that we may venture to injure them with impunity, so there are none so low that they may not at some time be able to repay an obligation. Therefore, what benevolence would dictate, prudence would confirm.

It is not until we have passed through the furnace that we are made to know how much dross there is in our composition.

If you are under obligations to many, it is prudent to postpone the recompensing of one, until it be in your power to remunerate all; otherwise you will make more enemies by what you give, than by what you withhold.

Some read to think, these are rare; some to write, these are common; and some read to talk, and these form the great majority.

All adverse and depressing influences can be overcome, not by fighting, by by rising above them.