Compliments of congratulation are always kindly taken, and cost nothing but pen, ink and paper. I consider them as draughts upon good breeding, where the exchange is always greatly in favor of the drawer.

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

Young men are as apt to think themselves wise enough, as drunken men are to think themselves sober enough. They look upon spirit to be a much better thing than experience; which they call coldness. They are but half mistaken; for though spirit without experience is dangerous, experience without spirit is languid and ineffective.

Keep your own secret, and get out other people's. Keep your own temper, and artfully warm other people's. Counterwork your rivalswith diligence and dexterity, but at the same time with the utmost personal civility to them: and be firm without heat.

I recommend you to take care of the minutes, for the hours will take care of themselves.

Women especially as to be talked to as below men, and above children.

The possibility of remedying imprudent actions is commonly an inducement to commit them.