I am provoked at the contempt which most historians show for humanity in general; one would think by them, that the whole human species consisted but of about a hundred and fifty people, called and dignified (commonly very undeservedly too) by the titles of Emperors, Kings, Popes, Generals, and Ministers.

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

Choose your pleasures for yourself, and do not let them be imposed upon you.

Remember that the wit, humour, and jokes of most mixed companies are local. They thrive in that particular soil, but will not often bear transplanting.

Men are much more unwilling to have their weaknesses and their imperfections known, than their crimes; and, if you hint to a man that you think him silly, ignorant, or even ill-bred or awkward, he will hate you more, and longer, than if you tell him plainly that you think him a rogue.

History is but a confused heap of facts.

He adorned whatever subject he either spoke or wrote upon, by the most splendid eloquence.