I do not care to speak ill of a man behind his back, but I believe he is an attorney.

A little knowledge is a dangerous thing - it only hastens fools to rush in where angels fear to tread.

Nothing is more idle than to inquire after happiness, which nature has kindly placed within our reach.

If we consider the manner in which those who assume the office of directing the conduct of others execute their undertaking, it will not be very wonderful that their labours, however zealous or affectionate, are frequently useless. For what is the advice that is commonly given? A few general maxims, enforced with vehemence, and inculcated with importunity, but failing for want of particular reference and immediate application.

He that resigns his peace to little casualties, and suffers the course of his life to be interrupted for fortuitous inadvertencies or offences, delivers up himself to the direction of the wind, and loses all that constancy and equanimity which constitutes the chief praise of a wise man.

It is to be steadily inculcated, that virtue is the highest proof of understanding, and the only solid basis of greatness.

Friends are often chosen for similitude of manners, and therefore each palliates the other's failings because they are his own.