Inferiority is what you enjoy in your best friends.

Awkwardness is a more real disadvantage than it is generally thought to be; it often occasions ridicule, it always lessens dignity.

Many people come into company full of what they intend to say in it themselves, without the least regard to others; and thus charged up to the muzzle are resolved to let it off at any rate.

Everything is worth seeing once, and the more one sees the less one either wonders or admires.

The only sure way of avoiding these evils [vanity and boasting] is never to speak of yourself at all. But when, historically, youare obliged to mention yourself, take care not to drop one single word that can directly or indirectly be construed as fishing for applause.

Men, as well as women, are much oftener led by their hearts than by their understandings.

It is by vivacity and wit that man shines in company; but trite jokes and loud laughter reduce him to a buffoon.