Some read books only with a view to find fault, while others read only to be taught; the former are like venomous spiders, extracting a poisonous quality, where the latter, like the bees, sip out a sweet and profitable juice.

Some natures are so sour and ungrateful that they are never to be obliged.

The lowest boor may laugh on being tickled, but a man must have intelligence to be amused by wit.

Men indulge those opinions and practices that favor their pretensions.

Partiality in a parent is unlucky; for fondlings are in danger to be made fools.

He that would live clear of envy must lay his finger on his mouth, and keep his hand out of the ink-pot.

He that contemns a shrew to the degree of not descending to words with her does worse than beat her.