In the forming of female friendships beauty seldom recommends one woman to another.

Considering the unforeseen events of this world, we should be taught that no human condition should inspire men with absolute despair.

Conscience is a judge in every man's breast, which none can cheat or corrupt, and perhaps the only incorrupt thing about him; yet, inflexible and honest as this judge is (however polluted the bench on which he sits), no man can, in my opinion, enjoy any applause which is not there adjudged to be his due.

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

An author ought to consider himself, not as a gentleman who gives a private or eleemosynary treat, but rather as one who keeps a public ordinary, at which all persons are welcome for their money.

Domestic happiness is the end of almost all our pursuits, and the common reward of all our pains. When men find themselves forever barred from this delightful fruition, they are lost to all industry, and grow careless of all their worldly affairs. Thus they become bad subjects, bad relations, bad friends, and bad men.

It is not enough that your designs, nay that your actions, are intrinsically good, you must take care they shall appear so.