We are as often duped by diffidence as by confidence.

Never seem wiser, nor more learned, than the people you are with. Wear your learning, like your watch, in a private pocket: and do not merely pull it out and strike it; merely to show that you have one.

If you can once engage people's pride, love, pity, ambition on your side, you need not fear what their reason can do against you.

If originally it was not good for a man to be alone, it is much worse for a sick man to be so; he thinks too much of his distemper, and magnifies it.

Human nature is the same everywhere; the modes only are different.

Hear one side and you will be in the dark. Hear both and all will be clear.

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.