In order to judge of the inside of others, study your own; for men in general are very much alike; and though one has one prevailing passion, and another has another, yet their operations are much the same; and whatever engages or disgusts, pleases or offends you, in others, will, mutatis mutandis, engage, disgust, please, or offend others, in you.

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

Ties of blood are not always ties of friendship; but friendship founded on merit, on esteem, and on mutual trust, becomes more vital and more tender when strengthened by the ties of blood.

Speak the language of the company you are in; speak it purely, and unlarded with any other.

A wise man will live as much within his wit as within his income.

A novel must be exceptionally good to live as long as the average cat.

The mere brute pleasure of reading - the sort of pleasure a cow must have in grazing.