Take rather than give the tone to the company you are in. If you have parts you will show them more or less upon every subject; and if you have not, you had better talk sillily upon a subject of other people's than of your own choosing.

Men, as well as women, are much oftener led by their hearts than by their understandings.

The company of women of fashion will improve your manners, though not your understanding; and that complaisance and politeness, which are so useful in men's company, can only be acquired in women's.

Fear invites danger; concealed cowards insult known ones.

Whatever is worth doing at all is worth doing well.

I love every-day senses, every-day wit and entertainment; a man who is only good on holidays, is good for very little.

I recommend to you to take care of the minutes; for hours will take care of themselves. I am very sure, that many people lose two or three hours every day, by not taking care of the minutes.