An able man shows his spirit by gentle words and resolute actions.

Common sense (which, in truth, is very uncommon) is the best sense I know of: abide by it; it will counsel you best.

Never put off till tomorrow what you can do today.

Sexual intercourse is a grossly overrated pastime; the position is undignified, the pleasure momentary and the consequences damnable.

Half the business is done, when one has gained the heart and the affections of those with whom one is to transact it.

Ridicule is the best test of truth.

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.