When any one of our relations was found to be a person of a very bad character, a troublesome guest, or one we desired to get rid of, upon his leaving my house I ever took care to lend him a riding-coat, or a pair of boots, or sometimes a horse of small value, and I always had the satisfaction of finding he never came back to return them.

Philosophy ... should not pretend to increase our present stock, but make us economists of what we are possessed of.

The heart of every man lies open to the shafts of correction if the archer can take proper aim.

Success consists of getting up just one more time than you fall.

The sports of children satisfy the child.

I can't say whether we had more wit among us now than usual, but I am certain we had more laughing, which answered the end as well.

Of praise a mere glutton, he swallow'd what came, And the puff a dunce, he mistook it for fame; Till his relish grown callous, almost to displease, Who pepper'd the highest was surest to please.