It is a rare life that remains orderly even in private.

I do not believe, from what I have been told about this people, that there is anything barbarous or savage about them, except that we all call barbarous anything that is contrary to our own habits.

To speak less of oneself than what one really is, is folly, not modesty; and to take that for current pay which is under a man's value, is pusillanimity and cowardice.

The only thing certain is nothing is certain.

We find our energies are actually cramped when we are overanxious to succeed.

In my youth I studied for ostentation; later, a little to gain wisdom; now, for recreation; never for gain.

What harm cause not those huge draughts or pictures which wanton youth with chalk or coals draw in each passage, wall or stairs of our great houses, whence a cruel contempt of our natural store is bred in them?