It is well known to all great men, that by conferring an obligation they do not always procure a friend, but are certain of creating many enemies.

The raillery which is consistent with good-breeding is a gentle animadversion of some foible, which, while it raises the laugh in the rest of the company, doth not put the person rallied out of countenance, or expose him to shame or contempt. On the contrary, the jest should be so delicate that the object of it should be capable of joining in the mirth it occasions.

Adversity is the trial of principle. Without it, a man hardly knows whether he is honest or not.

Most men like in women what is most opposite their own characters.

Where the law ends tyranny begins.

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

We should not be too hasty in bestowing either our praise or censure on mankind, since we shall often find such a mixture of good and evil in the same character, that it may require a very accurate judgment and a very elaborate inquiry to determine on which side the balance turns.