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.

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

Know the true value of time; snatch, seize, and enjoy every moment of it.

Truth, but not the whole truth, must be the invariable principle of every man who hath either religion, honour, or prudence. Thosewho violate it, may be cunning, but they are not able. Lies and perfidy are the refuge of fools and cowards.

Very ugly or very beautiful women should be flattered on their understanding, and mediocre ones on their beauty.

The best way to compel weak-minded people to adopt our opinion, is to frighten them from all others, by magnifying their danger.

In the ordinary course of things, how many succeed in society merely by virtue of their manners, while others, however meritorious, fail through lack of them? After all, it's only barbarians who wear uncut precious stones.