Love has been not unaptly compared to the small-pox, which most people have sooner or later.

Few men are of one plain, decided color; most are mixed, shaded, and blended; and vary as much, from different situations, as changeable silks do from different lights.

Great merit or great failings will make you respected or despised; but trifles, little attentions, mere nothings, either done or neglected, will make you either liked or disliked, in the general run of the world. Examine yourself, why you like such and such people and dislike such and such others; and you will find that those different sentiments proceed from very slight causes.

A certain degree of ceremony is a necessary outwork of manners, as well as of religion; it keeps the forward and petulant at a proper distance, and is a very small restraint to the sensible and to the well-bred part of the world.

True politeness is perfect ease and freedom. It simply consists in treating others just as you love to be treated yourself.

Words are the dress of thoughts; which should no more be presented in rags, tatters, and dirt than your person should.

Common sense (which, in truth, is very uncommon) is the best sense I know of: abide by it; it will counsel you best.