In business be as able as you can, but do not be cunning; cunning is the dark sanctuary of incapacity.

There is nothing so necessary, but at the same time there is nothing more difficult (I know it by experience) for you young fellows, than to know how to behave yourselves prudently towards those whom you do not like. Your passions are warm, and your heads are light; you hate all those who oppose your views, either of ambition or love; and a rival, in either, is almost a synonymous term for any enemy.

If we do not plant knowledge when young, it will give us no shade when we are old.

Firmness of purpose is one of the most necessary sinews of character, and one of the best instruments of success. Without it, genius wastes its efforts in a maze of inconsistencies.

Women who are either indisputably beautiful, or indisputably ugly, are best flattered upon the score of their understandings.

I assisted at the birth of that most significant word "flirtation," which dropped from the most beautiful mouth in the world.

In seeking wisdom thou art wise; in imagining that thou hast attained it - thou art a fool.