A wise man will live as much within his wit as his income.... Bear this truth always in your mind, that you may be admired for your wit, if you have any; but that nothing but good sense and good qualities can make you be loved.

Firmness of purpose is one of the best instruments of success.

We are hardly ever grateful for a fine clock or watch when it goes right, and we pay attention to it only when it falters, for then we are caught by surprise. It ought to be the other way about.

If you will please people, you must please them in their own way; and as you cannot make them what they should be, you must take them as they are.

Real friendship is a slow grower.

Distrust those who love you extremely upon a slight acquaintance, and without any visible reason.

Manners must adorn knowledge and smooth its way through the world.