Thirst teaches all animals to drink, but drunkenness belongs only to man.

Some virtuous women are too liberal in their insults to a frail sister; but virtue can support itself without borrowing any assistance from the vices of other women.

We endeavor to conceal our vices under the disguise of the opposite virtues.

Good-breeding is not confined to externals, much less to any particular dress or attitude of the body; it is the art of pleasing, or contributing as much as possible to the ease and happiness of those with whom you converse.

Commend a fool for his wit, or a rogue for his honesty and he will receive you into his favour.

Good-nature is that benevolent and amiable temper of mind which disposes us to feel the misfortunes and enjoy the happiness of others, and, consequently, pushes us on to promote the latter and prevent the former; and that without any abstract contemplation on the beauty of virtue, and without the allurements or terrors of religion.

The woman and the soldier who do not defend the first pass will never defend the last.