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.

To govern mankind, one must not overrate them.

Let them show me a cottage where there are not the same vices of which they accuse the courts.

Women who are either indisputably beautiful, or indisputably ugly, are best flattered upon the score of their understandings; but those who are in a state of mediocrity are best flattered upon their beauty, or at least their graces; for every woman who is not absolutely ugly thinks herself handsome.

Women are all so far Machiavellians that they are never either good or bad by halves; their passions are too strong, and their reason too weak, to do anything with moderation.

To know a little of anything gives neither satisfaction nor credit, but often brings disgrace or ridicule.

Sincerity w the most compendious wisdom, an excellent instrument for the speedy despatch of business. It creates confidence in those we have to deal with, saves the labor of many inquiries, and brings things to an issue in few words.