Vanity is so frequently the apparent motive of advice that we, for the most part, summon our powers to oppose it without very accurate inquiry whether it is right. It is sufficient that another is growing great in his own eyes at our expense, and assumes authority over us without our permission; for many would contentedly suffer the consequences of their own mistakes, rather than the insolence of him who triumphs as their deliverer.

No people can be great who have ceased to be virtuous.

Integrity without knowledge is weak and useless, and knowledge without integrity is dangerous and dreadful.

Men more frequently require to be reminded than informed.

Pound St. Paul's Church into atoms, and consider any single atom; it is to be sure, good for nothing; but put all these atoms together, and you have St. Paul's Church. So it is with human felicity, which is made up of many ingredients, each of which may be shown to be very insignificant.

Nothing odd will do long. Tristram Shandy did not last.

In all pleasures hope is a considerable part.