Men are apt to mistake, or at least to seem to mistake, their own talents, in hopes, perhaps, of misleading others to allow them that which they are conscious they do not possess. Thus lord Hardwicke valued himself more upon being a great minister of state, which he certainly was not, than upon being a great magistrate, which he certainly was.

The heart has such an influence over the understanding, that it is worth while to engage it in our interest.

Without some dissimulation no business can be carried on at all.

I am in the pitiable situation of feeling all the force of temptation without having the strength to succumb to it.

Those whom you can make like themselves better will, I promise you, like you very well.

I am very sure that any man of common understanding may, by culture, care, attention, and labor, make himself what- ever he pleases, except a great poet.

I love every-day senses, every-day wit and entertainment; a man who is only good on holidays, is good for very little.