A novel must be exceptionally good to live as long as the average cat.

At any age we must cherish illusions, consolatory or merely pleasant; in youth, they are omnipresent; in old age we must search for them, or even invent them. But with all that, boredom is their natural and inevitable accompaniment.

Gold and silver are but merchandise, as well as cloth or linen; and that nation that buys the least, and sells the most, must always have the most money.

I have seen many people, who while you are speaking to them, instead, of looking at, and attending to you, fix their eyes upon the ceiling, or some other part of the room, look out of the window, play with a dog, twirl their snuff-box, or pick their nose. Nothing discovers a little, futile, frivolous mind more than this, and nothing is so offensively ill-bred.

Patience is the most necessary quality for business, many a man would rather you heard his story than grant his request.

To know a little of anything gives neither satisfaction nor credit, but often brings disgrace or ridicule.

A man must have a good share of wit himself to endure a great share in another.