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

A joker is near akin to a buffoon; and neither of them is the least related to wit.

In matters of religion and matrimony I never give any advice; because I will not have anybody's torments in this world or the next laid to my charge.

A certain degree of fear produces the same effects as rashness.

Very ugly or very beautiful women should be flattered on their understanding, and mediocre ones on their beauty.

May you live as long as you are fit to live, but no longer, or, may you rather die before you cease to be fit to live than after!

Letters should be easy and natural, and convey to the persons to whom we send them just what we should say to the persons if we were with them.