A young fellow ought to be wiser than he should seem to be; and an old fellow ought to seem wise whether he really be so or not.

Young men are as apt to think themselves wise enough, as drunken men are to think themselves sober enough. They look upon spirit to be a much better thing than experience; which they call coldness. They are but half mistaken; for though spirit without experience is dangerous, experience without spirit is languid and ineffective.

Whenever a man seeks your advice he generally seeks your praise.

Women especially as to be talked to as below men, and above children.

A weak mind is like a microscope, which magnifies trifling things but cannot receive great ones.

In my mind, there is nothing so illiberal, and so ill-bred, as audible laughter.

A wise man will live as much within his wit as his income.... Bear this truth always in your mind, that you may be admired for your wit, if you have any; but that nothing but good sense and good qualities can make you be loved.