There is as much difference between the counsel that a friend giveth, and that a man giveth himself, as there is between the counsel of a friend and of a flatterer. For there is no such flatterer as is a man's self.

Great boldness is seldom without some absurdity.

The doctrines of religion are resolved into carefulness; carefulness into vigorousness; vigorousness into guiltlessness; guiltlessness into abstemiousness; abstemiousness into cleanliness; cleanliness into godliness.

When a man laughs at his troubles he loses a great many friends. They never forgive the loss of their prerogative.

He that hath wife and children hath given hostages to fortune; for they are impediments to great enterprises, either of virtue or mischief.

Men leave their riches either to their kindred or their friends, and moderate portions prosper best in both.

I would like, in my arbitrary way, to bring one nearer to the actual human being.