In my mind, there is nothing so illiberal, and so ill-bred, as audible laughter.

I love every-day senses, every-day wit and entertainment; a man who is only good on holidays, is good for very little.

An ignorant man is insignificant and contemptible; nobody cares for his company, and he can just be said to live, and that is all.

Wit is so shining a quality that everybody admires it; most people aim at it, all people fear it, and few love it unless in themselves. A man must have a good share of wit himself to endure a great share of it in another.

Wear your knowledge like your watch - in you pocket - and don't pull it out just for show.

I really know nothing more criminal, more mean, and more ridiculous than lying. It is the production either of malice, cowardice, or vanity; and generally misses of its aim in every one of these views; for lies are always detected, sooner or later.

Manners must adorn knowledge and smooth its way in the world, without them it is like a great rough diamond, very well in a closet by way of curiosity, and also for its intrinsic value; but most prized when polished.