If a marriage is going to work well, it must be on a solid footing, namely money, and of that commodity it is the girl with the smallest dowry who, to my knowledge, consumes the most, to infuriate her husband. All the same, it is only fair that the marriage should pay for past pleasures, since it will scarcely procure any in the future.

Two people cannot be alone together for upwards of half an hour without one emerging as the superior.

Indifference is commonly the mother of discretion.

Pleasure is a necessary reciprocal. No one feels, who does not at the same time give it. To be pleased, one must please. What pleases you in others, will in general please them in you.

In seeking wisdom thou art wise; in imagining that thou hast attained it - thou art a fool.

An honest man may really love a pretty girl, but only an idiot marries her merely because she is pretty.

Endeavor, as much as you can, to keep company with people above you.... Do not mistake, when I say company above you, and think that I mean with regard to their birth; that is the least consideration; but I mean with regard to their merit, and the light in which the world considers them.