I have been too long acquainted with human nature to have great regard for human testimony; and a very great degree of probability, supported by various concurrent circumstances, conspiring in one point, will have much greater weight with me, than human testimony upon oath, or even upon honour; both of which I have frequently seen considerably warped by private views.

Give nobly to indigent merit, and do not refuse your charity even to those who have not merit but their misery.

Deafness produces bizarre effects, reversing the natural order of things; the interchange of letters is the conversation of the deaf, and the only link with society. I would be in despair, for instance, over seeing you speak, but, instead, I am only too happy to hear you write.

It is good breeding alone that can prepossess people in your favor at first sight, more time being necessary to discover greater talents.

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

Enjoy pleasures, but let them be your own, and then you will taste them.

When griefs are genuine, I find, there is nothing more vacuous, more burdensome, or even more impertinent, than letters of consolation.