Never write down your speeches beforehand; if you do, you may perhaps be a good declaimer, but will never be a debater.

Ceremonies are the outworks of manners.

The most ignorant are the boldest conjecturers.

I am not of the opinion generally entertained in this country [England], that man lives by Greek and Latin alone; that is, by knowing a great many words of two dead languages, which nobody living knows perfectly, and which are of no use in the common intercourse of life. Useful knowledge, in my opinion, consists of modern languages, history, and geography; some Latin may be thrown into the bargain, in compliance with custom, and for closet amusement.

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.

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