Our prejudices are our mistresses; reason is at best our wife, very often heard indeed, but seldom minded.

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

We are hardly ever grateful for a fine clock or watch when it goes right, and we pay attention to it only when it falters, for then we are caught by surprise. It ought to be the other way about.

Singularity is only pardonable in old age and retirement; I may now be as singular as I please, but you may not.

The rulers of the earth are all worth knowing; they suggest moral reflections: and the respect that one naturally has for God's vice-regents here on earth is greatly increased by acquaintance with them.

Observe any meetings of people, and you will always find their eagerness and impetuosity rise or fall in proportion to their numbers.

Be your character what it will, it will be known, and nobody will take it upon your word.