Marriage is the best state for man in general, and every man is a worst man in proportion to the level he is unfit for marriage.

Foppery is never cured; it is the bad stamina of the mind, which, like those of the body, are never rectified; once a coxcomb always a coxcomb.

Books that you may carry to the fire, and hold readily in your hand, are the most useful after all.

No man sympathizes with the sorrows of vanity.

Power is gradually stealing away from the many to the few, because the few are more vigilant and consistent.

Admiration and love are like being intoxicated with champagne; judgment and friendship are like being enlivened.

That is the happiest conversation where there is no competition, no vanity, but a calm, quiet interchange of sentiments...