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

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.

There is no Pleasure like that of receiving Praise from the Praiseworthy

Whenever you commend, add your reasons for doing so; it is this which distinguishes the approbation of a man of sense from the flattery of sycophants and admiration of fools.

Violins are the lively, forward, importunate wits, that distinguish themselves by the flourishes of imagination, sharpness of repartee, glances of satire, and bear away the upper part in every consort.

A man cannot have an idea of perfection in another, which he was never sensible of in himself.

There are so few who can grow old with a good grace.