Whoever would be wise should read the Proverbs; whoever would be holy should read the Psalms.

Nothing can atone for the lack of modesty; without which beauty is ungraceful and wit detestable.

How few there are who are furnished with abilities sufficient to recommend their actions to the admiration of the world, and distinguish themselves from the rest of mankind.

I know of no manner of speaking so offensive as that of giving praise, and closing it with an exception.

It may be remarked in general, that the laugh of men of wit is for the most part but a feint, constrained kind of half-laugh, as such persons are never without some diffidence about them; but that of fools is the most honest, natural, open laugh in the world.

Pride destroys all symmetry and grace, and affectation is a more terrible enemy to fine faces than the small-pox.

When a man is not disposed to hear music, there is not a more disagreeable sound in harmony than that of the violin.