We all covet wealth, but not its perils.

The mind, like all other things, will become impaired, the sciences are its food,--they nourish, but at the same time they consume it.

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.

A man of the world must seem to be what he wishes to be thought.

A man starts upon a sudden, takes Pen, Ink, and Paper, and without ever having had a thought of it before, resolves within himself he will write a Book; he has no Talent at Writing, but he wants fifty Guineas.

A man has made great progress in cunning when he does not seem too clever to others.

Even the best intentioned of great men need a few scoundrels around them; there are some things you cannot ask an honest ma to do.