The best way to compel weak-minded people to adopt our opinion, is to frighten them from all others, by magnifying their danger.

To know a little of anything gives neither satisfaction nor credit, but often brings disgrace or ridicule.

If a man, notoriously and designedly, insults and affronts you, knock him down; but if he only injures you, your best revenge is to be extremely civil to him in your outward behaviour, though at the same time you counterwork him, and return him the compliment, perhaps with interest.

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

Inferiority is what you enjoy in your best friends.

Whenever I go to an opera, I leave my sense and reason at the door with my half-guinea, and deliver myself up to my eyes and my ears.

A cheerful, easy, open countenance will make fools think you a good-natured man, and make designing men think you an undesigning one.