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

No woman ever yet either reasoned or acted long together consequentially; but some little thing, some love, some resentment, somepresent momentary interest, some supposed slight, or some humour, always breaks in upon, and oversets their most prudent resolutions and schemes.

A man of sense soon discovers, because he carefully observes, where and how long he is welcome; and takes care to leave the company at least as soon as he is wished out of it. Fools never perceive whether they are ill timed or ill placed.

True politeness is perfect ease and freedom. It simply consists in treating others just as you love to be treated yourself.

The value of moments, when cast up, is immense, if well employed; if thrown away, their loss is irrecoverable.

Real merit of any kind cannot long be concealed; it will be discovered, and nothing can depreciate it but a man exhibiting it himself. It may not always be rewarded as it ought; but it will always be known.

Be wiser than other people if you can; but do not tell them so.