An egotist will always speak of himself, either in praise or in censure, but a modest man ever shuns making himself the subject of his conversation.

The great charm of conversation consists less in the display of one's own wit and intelligence than in the power to draw forth the resources of others.

There is speaking well, speaking easily, speaking justly and speaking seasonably: It is offending against the last, to speak of entertainments before the indigent; of sound limbs and health before the infirm; of houses and lands before one who has not so much as a dwelling; in a word, to speak of your prosperity before the miserable; this conversation is cruel, and the comparison which naturally arises in them betwixt their condition and yours is excruciating.

Discretion is the perfection of reason, and a guide to us in all the duties of life. It is only found in men of sound sense and understanding.

They that have lived a single day have lived an age.

No road is to long for him who advances slowly and does not hurry and no attainment is beyond his reach who equips himself with patience to achieve it

Widows, like ripe fruit, drop easily from their perch.