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

The greatest object in the universe, says a certain philosopher, is a good man struggling with adversity; yet there is still a greater, which is the good man who comes to relieve it.

Paltry affectation, strained allusions, and disgusting finery are easily attained by those who choose to wear them; they are but too frequently the badges of ignorance or of stupidity, whenever it would endeavor to please.

The first blow is half the battle.

Alike all ages. Dames of ancient days Have led their children through the mirthful maze, And the gay grandsire, skill'd in gestic lore, Has frisk'd beneath the burden of threescore.

Politics resemble religion; attempting to divest either of ceremony is the most certain mode of bringing either into contempt.

Remote, unfriended, melancholy, slow, Or by the lazy Scheld or wandering Po.