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

Though we cannot totally change our nature, we may in great measure correct it by reflection and philosophy; and some philosophy is a very necessary companion in this world, where, even to the most fortunate, the chances are greatly against happiness.

Those whom you can make like themselves better will, I promise you, like you very well.

Deserve a great deal, and you shall have a great deal; deserve little, and you shall have but a little; and be good for nothing atall, and I assure you, you shall have nothing at all.

Give nobly to indigent merit, and do not refuse your charity even to those who have not merit but their misery.

Without some dissimulation no business can be carried on at all.

To govern mankind, one must not overrate them.