Their origin is commonly unknown; for the practice often continues when the cause has ceased, and concerning superstitious ceremonies it is in vain to conjecture; for what reason did not dictate, reason cannot explain.

In a man's letters you know, Madam, his soul lies naked, his letters are only the mirror of his breast, whatever passes within him is shown undisguised in its natural process. Nothing is inverted, nothing distorted, you see systems in their elements, you discover actions in their motives.

Courage is the greatest of all virtues, because if you haven't courage, you may not have an opportunity to use any of the others.

Treating your adversary with respect is striking soft in battle.

Abuse is often of service. There is nothing so dangerous to an author as silence.

The charm of London is that you are never glad or sorry for ten minutes together; in the country you are one or the other for weeks.

The longer we live the more we think and the higher the value we put on friendship and tenderness towards parents and friends.