I despise the pleasure of pleasing people that I despise.

The familiarities of the gaming-table contribute very much to the decay of politeness ... The pouts and quarrels that naturally arise from disputes must put an end to all complaisance, or even good will towards one another.

I don't say 'Tis impossible for an impudent man not to rise in the world, but a moderate merit with a large share of impudence is more probable to be advanced than the greatest qualifications without it.

It is 11 years since I have seen my figure in a glass [mirror]. The last reflection I saw there was so disagreeable I resolved to spare myself such mortification in the future.

'Tis a sort of duty to be rich, that it may be in one's power to do good, riches being another word for power.

... if it were the fashion to go naked, the face would be hardly observed.

Only a mother knows a mother's fondness.