It is commonly said that ridicule is the best test of truth; for that it will not stick where it is not just. I deny it. A truth learned in a certain light, and attacked in certain words, by men of wit and humor, may, and often doth, become ridiculous, at least so far, that the truth is only remembered and repeated for the sake of the ridicule.

If we do not plant knowledge when young, it will give us no shade when we are old.

I sometimes give myself admirable advice, but I am incapable of taking it.

The law before us, my lords, seems to be the effect of that practice of which it is intended likewise to be the cause, and to be dictated by the liquor of which it so effectually promotes the use; for surely it never before was conceived by any man entrusted with the administration of public affairs, to raise taxes by the destruction of the people.

Buy good books, and read them; the best books are the commonest, and the last editions are always the best, if the editors are not blockheads.

If originally it was not good for a man to be alone, it is much worse for a sick man to be so; he thinks too much of his distemper, and magnifies it.

Distrust those who love you extremely upon a slight acquaintance, and without any visible reason.