Never yield to that temptation, which, to most young men, is very strong, of exposing other people's weaknesses and infirmities, for the sake either of diverting the company, or of showing your own superiority. You may get the laugh on your side by it for the present; but you will make enemies by it for ever; and even those who laugh with you then, will, upon reflection, fear, and consequently hate you.

Knowledge is a comfortable and necessary retreat and shelter for us in an advanced age; and if we do not plant it while young, it will give us no shade when we grow old.

Frequent and loud laughter is the characteristic of folly and ill manners.

No man tastes pleasures truly, who does not earn them by previous business; and few people do business well, who do nothing else.

Know the true value of time; snatch, seize, and enjoy every moment of it.

Speak the language of the company you are in; speak it purely, and unlarded with any other.

If a man, notoriously and designedly, insults and affronts you, knock him down; but if he only injures you, your best revenge is to be extremely civil to him in your outward behaviour, though at the same time you counterwork him, and return him the compliment, perhaps with interest.