Gratitude is a burden upon our imperfect nature.

You must embrace the man you hate, if you cannot be justified in knocking him down.

Firmness of purpose is one of the most necessary sinews of character, and one of the best instruments of success. Without it, genius wastes its efforts in a maze of inconsistencies.

A rake is a composition of all the lowest, most ignoble, degrading, and shameful vices; they all conspire to disgrace his character, and to ruin his fortune; while wine and the pox content which shall soonest and most effectually destroy his constitution.

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

Half the business is done, when one has gained the heart and the affections of those with whom one is to transact it.

Distrust those who love you extremely upon a slight acquaintance, and without any visible reason.