The way to acquire lasting esteem is not by the fewness of a writer's faults, but the greatness of his beauties, and our noblest works are generally most replete with both.

All that a husband or wife really wants is to be pitied a little, praised a little, and appreciated a little.

Ceremonies are different in every country, but true politeness is everywhere the same.

If frugality were established in the state, and if our expenses were laid out to meet needs rather than superfluities of life, there might be fewer wants, and even fewer pleasures, but infinitely more happiness.

Whatever the skill of any country may be in the sciences, it is from its excellence in polite learning alone that it must expect a character from posterity.

The loud laugh that spoke the vacant mind.

Conscience is a coward, and those faults it has not strength enough to prevent it seldom has justice enough to accuse.