The world is a country which nobody ever yet knew by description; one must travel through it one's self to be acquainted with it.

You will find that reason, which always ought to direct mankind, seldom does; but that passions and weaknesses commonly usurp itsseat, and rule in its stead.

You must look into people, as well as at them.

Character must be kept bright as well as clean.

You should not only have attention to everything, but a quickness of attention, so as to observe at once all the people in the room--their motions, their looks and their words--and yet without staring at them and seeming to be an observer.

The greatest dangers have their allurements, if the want of success is likely to be attended with a degree of glory. Middling dangers are horrid, when the loss of reputation is the inevitable consequence of ill success.

Do as you would be done by, is the surest method of pleasing.