Merit and knowledge will not gain hearts, though they will secure them when gained.

Whoever plays deep must necessarily lose his money or his character.

A man of sense only trifles with them, plays with them, humors and flatters them, as he does with a sprightly and forward child; but he neither consults them about, nor trusts them with, serious matters.

The only sure way of avoiding these evils [vanity and boasting] is never to speak of yourself at all. But when, historically, youare obliged to mention yourself, take care not to drop one single word that can directly or indirectly be construed as fishing for applause.

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

I am convinced that a light supper, a good night's sleep, and a fine morning, have sometimes made a hero of the same man, who, by an indigestion, a restless night, and rainy morning, would have proved a coward.

Nothing convinces persons of a weak understanding so effectually, as what they do not comprehend.