Politicians neither love nor hate. Interest, not sentiment, directs them.

Swift speedy time, feathered with flying hours, Dissolves the beauty of the fairest brow.

A wise man will live as much within his wit as his income.... Bear this truth always in your mind, that you may be admired for your wit, if you have any; but that nothing but good sense and good qualities can make you be loved.

Pray be always in motion. Early in the morning go and see things; and the rest of the day go and see people. If you stay but a week at a place, and that an insignificant one, see, however, all that is to be seen there; know as many people, and get into as many houses as ever you can.

The vulgar only laugh, but never smile; whereas well-bred people often smile, but seldom laugh.

The best way to compel weak-minded people to adopt our opinion, is to frighten them from all others, by magnifying their danger.

Though we cannot totally change our nature, we may in great measure correct it by reflection and philosophy; and some philosophy is a very necessary companion in this world, where, even to the most fortunate, the chances are greatly against happiness.