A youthful mind is seldom totally free from ambition; to curb that, is the first step to contentment, since to diminish expectation is to increase enjoyment.

You must learn not only to judge but to act for yourself.

... it's vastly more irksome to give up one's own way, than to hear a few impertinent remarks.

She [Evelina] is not, indeed, like most modern young ladies; to be known in half an hour; her modest worth, and fearful excellence, require both time and encouragement to show themselves.

. . . men seldom risk their lives where an escape is without hope of recompense.

To despise riches, may, indeed, be philosophic, but to dispense them worthily, must surely be more beneficial to mankind.

to be sure, marriage is all in all with the ladies; but with us gentlemen it's quite another thing!