People seldom read a book which is given to them; and few are given. The way to spread a work is to sell it at a low price. No man will send to buy a thing that costs even sixpence without an intention to read it.

Nobody can write the life of a man but those who have eat and drunk and lived in social intercourse with him.

More knowledge may be gained of a man's real character by a short conversation with one of his servants than from a formal and studied narrative, begun with his pedigree and ended with his funeral.

Almost all absurdity of conduct arises from the imitation of those who we cannot resemble.

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.

You hesitate to stab me with a word, and know not - silence is the sharper sword.

Try and forget our cares and sickness, and contribute, as we can to the happiness of each other.