It is in disputes as in armies, where the weaker side sets up false lights, and makes a great noise, to make the enemy believe them more numerous and strong than they really are.

How often do we contradict the right rules of reason in the whole course of our lives! Reason itself is true and just, but the reason of every particular man is weak and wavering, perpetually swayed and turned by his interests, his passions, and his vices.

It is likewise to be observed that this society hath a peculiar chant and jargon of their own, that no other mortal can understand, and wherein all their laws are written, which they take special care to multiply.

No man was ever so completely skilled in the conduct of life, as not to receive new information from age and experience.

Observation is an old man's memory.

Pride, ill nature, and want of sense, are the three great sources of ill manners.

Satire is a sort of glass, wherein beholders do generally discover everybody's face but their own.