As fathers commonly go, it is seldom a misfortune to be fatherless; and considering the general run of sons, as seldom a misfortune to be childless.

Montesquieu well knew, and justly admired, the happy constitution of this country [Great Britain], where fixed and known laws equally restrain monarchy from tyranny and liberty from licentiousness.

It is good breeding alone that can prepossess people in your favor at first sight, more time being necessary to discover greater talents.

Patience is the most necessary quality for business, many a man would rather you heard his story than grant his request.

Give nobly to indigent merit, and do not refuse your charity even to those who have not merit but their misery.

There is hardly any place or any company where you may not gain knowledge, if you please; almost everybody knows some one thing, and is glad to talk about that one thing.

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.