Men have various subjects in which they may excel, or at least would be thought to excel, and though they love to hear justice done to them where they know they excel, yet they are most and best flattered upon those points where they wish to excel and yet are doubtful whether they do or not.

I would have all intoleration intolerated in its turn.

Since attaining the full use of my reason no one has ever heard me laugh.

Assurance and intrepidity, under the white banner of seeming modesty, clear the way for merit, that would otherwise be discouraged by difficulties...

A man must have a good share of wit himself to endure a great share in another.

You must labour to acquire that great and uncommon talent of hating with good breeding, and loving with prudence; to make no quarrel irreconcilable by silly and unnecessary indications of anger; and no friendship dangerous, in care it breaks, by a wanton, indiscreet, and unreserved confidence.

In matters of religion and matrimony I never give any advice; because I will not have anybody's torments in this world or the next laid to my charge.