There is no talent so useful toward rising in the world, or which puts men more out of the reach of fortune, than that quality generally possessed by the dullest sort of men, and in common speech called discretion; a species of lower prudence, by the assistance of which, people of the meanest intellectuals, without any other qualification, pass through the world in great tranquillity, and with universal good treatment, neither giving nor taking offence.

Undoubtedly, philosophers are in the right when they tell us that nothing is great or little otherwise than by comparison.

My nose itched, and I knew I should drink wine or kiss a fool.

Great abilities, when employed as God directs, do but make the owners of them greater and more painful servants to their neighbors.

The proper words in the proper places are the true definition of style.

I never wonder to see men wicked, but I often wonder to see them not ashamed.

Politics, as the word is commonly understood, are nothing but corruptions.