If a man, notoriously and designedly, insults and affronts you, knock him down; but if he only injures you, your best revenge is to be extremely civil to him in your outward behaviour, though at the same time you counterwork him, and return him the compliment, perhaps with interest.

Knowledge may give weight, but accomplishments give luster, and many more people see than weigh.

In business be as able as you can, but do not be cunning; cunning is the dark sanctuary of incapacity.

Manners must adorn knowledge and smooth its way through the world.

Remember, that when I speak of pleasures I always mean the elegant pleasures of a rational being, and not the brutal ones of a swine. I mean la bonne chère, short of gluttony; wine, infinitely short of drunkenness; play, without the least gaming; and gallantry, without debauchery.

Whenever a man seeks your advice he generally seeks your praise.

In nature the most violent passions are silent; in tragedy they must speak and speak with dignity too.