Letters should be easy and natural, and convey to the persons to whom we send them just what we should say to the persons if we were with them.

For my own part, I would rather be in company with a dead man than with an absent one; for if the dead man gives me no pleasure, at least he shows me no contempt; whereas the absent one, silently indeed, but very plainly, tells me that he does not think me worth his attention.

Endeavor, as much as you can, to keep company with people above you.... Do not mistake, when I say company above you, and think that I mean with regard to their birth; that is the least consideration; but I mean with regard to their merit, and the light in which the world considers them.

Observe any meetings of people, and you will always find their eagerness and impetuosity rise or fall in proportion to their numbers.

Women who are either indisputably beautiful, or indisputably ugly, are best flattered upon the score of their understandings.

Real friendship is a slow grower.

Seek always for the best words and the happiest expression you can find.