The insolent civility of a proud man is, if possible, more shocking than his rudeness could be; because he shows you, by his manner, that he thinks it mere condescension in him; and that his goodness alone bestows upon you what you have no pretense to claim.

Good manners are the settled medium of social, as specie is of commercial, life; returns are equally expected for both.

I have, by long experience, found women to be like Telephus's spear: if one end kills, the other cures.

Sincerity is the most compendious wisdom.

Indifference is commonly the mother of discretion.

Judgment is not upon all occasions required, but discretion always is.

The herd of mankind can hardly be said to think; their notions are almost all adoptive; and, in general, I believe it is better that it should be so; as such common prejudices contribute more to order and quiet, than their own separate reasonings would do, uncultivated and unimproved as they are.