I love a gay and sociable wisdom, and shun harshness and austerity in behaviour, holding every surly countenance suspect.

To say less of yourself than is true is stupidity, not modesty. To pay yourself less than you are worth is cowardice and pusillanimity.

The laws keep up their credit, not by being just, but because they are laws; 'tis the mystic foundation of their authority; they have no other, and it well answers their purpose. They are often made by fools; still oftener by men who, out of hatred to equality, fail in equity; but always by men, vain and irresolute authors.

A wellborn mind that is practiced in dealing with people makes itself thoroughly agreeable by itself. Art is nothing else but thelist and record of the productions of such minds.

The study of books is a drowsy and feeble exercise which does not warm you up.

Not being able to govern events, I govern myself, and apply myself to them if they will not apply themselves to me.

There is some shadow of delight and delicacy which smiles upon and flatters us even in the very lap of melancholy.