Men will not believe because they will not broaden their minds.

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.

If you love music hear it; go to operas, concerts, and pay fiddlers to play to you; but I insist upon your neither piping nor fiddling yourself. It puts a gentleman in a very frivolous, contemptible light; brings him into a great deal of bad company; and takes up a great deal of time, which might be much better employed.

No man tastes pleasures truly, who does not earn them by previous business; and few people do business well, who do nothing else.

The heart has such an influence over the understanding, that it is worth while to engage it in our interest.

I assisted at the birth of that most significant word "flirtation," which dropped from the most beautiful mouth in the world.

Great merit, or great failings, will make you respected or despised; but trifles, little attentions, mere nothings, either done or neglected, will make you either liked or disliked in the general run of the world.