The world is grown so full of dissimulation and compliment, that men's words are hardly any signification of their thoughts.

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

There is hardly that person to be found who is not more concerned for the reputation of wit and sense, than honesty and virtue.

The praise of an ignorant man is only good-will, and you should receive his kindness as he is a good neighbor in society, and not as a good judge of your actions in point of fame and reputation.

It is a very melancholy reflection that men are usually so weak that it is absolutely necessary for them to know sorrow and pain to be in their right senses.

I cannot think of any character below the flatterer, except he who envies him

I look upon it as a Point of Morality, to be obliged by those who endeavour to oblige me