The value of moments, when cast up, is immense, if well employed; if thrown away, their loss is irrecoverable.

Men are apt to mistake, or at least to seem to mistake, their own talents, in hopes, perhaps, of misleading others to allow them that which they are conscious they do not possess. Thus lord Hardwicke valued himself more upon being a great minister of state, which he certainly was not, than upon being a great magistrate, which he certainly was.

Truth, but not the whole truth, must be the invariable principle of every man who hath either religion, honour, or prudence. Thosewho violate it, may be cunning, but they are not able. Lies and perfidy are the refuge of fools and cowards.

Every man is to be had one way or another and every woman almost anyway.

The greatest powers cannot injure a man's character whose reputation is unblemished among his party.

Nothing is more dissimilar than natural and acquired politeness. The first consists in a willing abnegation of self; the second in a compelled recollection of others.

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