Those who are in the power of evil habits must conquer them as they can; and conquered they must be, or neither wisdom nor happiness can be attained: but those who are not yet subject to their influence may, by timely caution, preserve their freedom.

I have already enjoyed too much; give me something to desire.

Hoc age ['do this'] is the great rule, whether you are serious or merry; whether ... learning science or duty from a folio, or floating on the Thames. Intentions must be gathered from acts.

[W]ith an unquiet mind, neither exercise, nor diet, nor physick can be of much use.

All is not gold that glitters, as we have often been told; and the adage is verified in your place and my favour; but if what happens does not make us richer, we must bid it welcome, if it makes us wiser.

Exert your talents, and distinguish yourself, and don't think of retiring from the world, until the world will be sorry that you retire.

A small country town is not the place in which one would choose to quarrel with a wife; every human being in such places is a spy.