It is by vivacity and wit that man shines in company; but trite jokes and loud laughter reduce him to a buffoon.

You must labour to acquire that great and uncommon talent of hating with good breeding, and loving with prudence; to make no quarrel irreconcilable by silly and unnecessary indications of anger; and no friendship dangerous, in care it breaks, by a wanton, indiscreet, and unreserved confidence.

The greatest powers cannot injure a man's character whose reputation is unblemished among his party.

Of those who really love their sons, few know how to do it. Some spoil them when they are young, and then quarrel with them when they are grown up, for having been spoiled; some love them like mothers, and attend only to the bodily health and strength of the hopes of their family, solemnize his birthday, and rejoice, like the subjects of the Great Mogul, at the increase of his bulk: while others, minding, as they think, only essentials, take pains and pleasure to see in their heir, all their favourite weaknesses and imperfections.

The manner of a vulgar man has freedom without ease, and the manner of a gentleman has ease without freedom.

When a person is in fashion, all they do is right.

The more one works, the more willing one is to work.