Without any extraordinary effort of genius, I have discovered that nature was the same three thousand years ago as at present; that men were but men then as well as now; that modes and customs vary often, but that human nature is always the same. And I can no more suppose, that men were better, braver, or wiser, fifteen hundred or three thousand years ago, than I can suppose that the animals or vegetables were better than they are now.

I have seen many people, who while you are speaking to them, instead, of looking at, and attending to you, fix their eyes upon the ceiling, or some other part of the room, look out of the window, play with a dog, twirl their snuff-box, or pick their nose. Nothing discovers a little, futile, frivolous mind more than this, and nothing is so offensively ill-bred.

Modesty is the only sure bait when you angle for praise.

Ridicule is the best test of truth.

When you have found out the prevailing passion of any man, remember never to trust him where that passion is concerned.

Advice is seldom welcome, and those who need it the most, like it the least.

Artichoke: That vegetable of which one has more at the finish than at the start of dinner.