Defeat should never be a source of discouragement but rather a fresh stimulus.

It is a noble and great thing to cover the blemishes and excuse the failings of a friend; to draw a curtain before his weaknesses and to display his perfections; to bury his shortcomings in silence but to proclaim his virtues on the housetop.

Speech was given to the ordinary sort of men, whereby to communicate their mind; but to wise men, whereby to conceal it.

It is the work of fancy to enlarge, but of judgment to shorten and contract; and therefore this must be as far above the other as judgment is a greater and nobler faculty than fancy or imagination.

Society is built upon trust.

Similes prove nothing, but yet greatly lighten and relieve the tedium of argument.

Abstinence is the great strengthener and clearer of reason.