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.

To save the mind from preying inwardly upon itself, it must be encouraged to some outward pursuit.

The laws of custom make our [returning a visit] necessary. O how I hate this vile custom which obliges us to make slaves of ourselves! to sell the most precious property we boast, our time;--and to sacrifice it to every prattling impertinent who chooses to demand it!

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

People who live together naturally catch the looks and air of one another and without having one feature alike, they contract a something in the whole countenance which strikes one as a resemblance

I'd rather be done any thing to than laughed at, for, to my mind, it's one or other the disagreeablest thing in the world.

But if the young are never tired of erring in conduct, neither are the older in erring of judgment.