Knowledge may give weight, but accomplishments give luster, and many more people see than weigh.

Manners must adorn knowledge and smooth its way in the world, without them it is like a great rough diamond, very well in a closet by way of curiosity, and also for its intrinsic value; but most prized when polished.

The power of applying attention, steady and undissipated, to a single object, is the sure mark of superior genius.

A wise man will live as much within his wit as within his income.

Let this be one invariable rule of your conduct--never to show the least symptom of resentment, which you cannot, to a certain degree, gratify; but always to smile, where you cannot strike.

Singularity is only pardonable in old age and retirement; I may now be as singular as I please, but you may not.

Aim at perfection in everything, though in most things it is unattainable. However, they who aim at it, and persevere, will come much nearer to it than those whose laziness and despondency make them give it up as unattainable.