There are goods so opposed that we cannot seize both, but, by too much prudence, may pass between them at too great a distance to reach either.

Politeness is one of those advantages which we never estimate rightly but by the inconvenience of its loss.

Men have been wise in many different modes; but they have always laughed the same way.

The size of a man's understanding might always be justly measured by his mirth.

I am a great friend to public amusements; for they keep people from vice.

A man may be very sincere in good principles, without having good practice.

To have the management of the mind is a great art, and it may be attained in a considerable degree by experience and habitual exercise... Let him take a course of chemistry, or a course of rope-dance, or a course of any thing to which he is inclined at the time. Let him contrive to have as many retreats for his mind as he can, as many things to which it can fly from itself.