There is perhaps no surer mark of folly, than to attempt to correct natural infirmities of those we love.

To the generality of men you cannot give a stronger hint for them to impose upon you than by imposing upon yourself.

A man may go to heaven with half the pains it cost him to purchase hell.

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.

The man who is wantonly profuse of his promises ought to sink his credit as much as a tradesman would by uttering a great number of promissory notes payable at a distant day. The truest conclusion in both cases is, that neither intend or will be able to pay. And as the latter most probably intends to cheat you of your money, so the former at least designs to cheat you of your thanks.

There cannot be a move glorious object in creation than a human being replete with benevolence, meditating in what manner he might render himself most acceptable to his Creator by doing most good to His creatures.

I describe not men, but manners; not an individual, but a species.