The height of ability consists in a thorough knowledge of the real value of things, and of the genius of the age in which we live.

Pride does not wish to owe and vanity does not wish to pay.

As we grow older, we increase in folly--and in wisdom.

Politeness is a desire to be treated politely, and to be esteemed polite oneself.

We acknowledge that we should not talk of our wives; but we seem not to know that we should talk still less of ourselves.

The boldest stroke and best act of friendship is not to disclose our own failings to a friend, but to show him his own.

Men and things have each their proper perspective; to judge rightly of some it is necessary to see them near, of others we can never judge rightly but at a distance.