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.

Judgment is not upon all occasions required, but discretion always is.

The best way to compel weak-minded people to adopt our opinion, is to frighten them from all others, by magnifying their danger.

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.

Gold and silver are but merchandise, as well as cloth or linen; and that nation that buys the least, and sells the most, must always have the most money.

Religion is by no means a proper subject of conversation in mixed company; it should only be treated among a very few people of learning, for mutual instruction. It is too awful and respectable a subject to become a familiar one.

You must embrace the man you hate, if you cannot be justified in knocking him down.