I am in the pitiable situation of feeling all the force of temptation without having the strength to succumb to it.

Wit is so shining a quality that everybody admires it; most people aim at it, all people fear it, and few love it unless in themselves. A man must have a good share of wit himself to endure a great share of it in another.

The herd of mankind can hardly be said to think; their notions are almost all adoptive; and, in general, I believe it is better that it should be so; as such common prejudices contribute more to order and quiet, than their own separate reasonings would do, uncultivated and unimproved as they are.

Be your character what it will, it will be known, and nobody will take it upon your word.

In the mass of mankind, I fear, there is too great a majority of fools and knaves; who, singly from their number, must to a certain degree be respected, though they are by no means respectable.

Good breeding is the result of good sense, some good nature, and a little self-denial for the sake of others.

Never put off till tomorrow what you can do today.