Men who stand in the highest ranks of society seldom hear of their faults; if by any accident an opprobrious clamour reaches their ears, flattery is always at hand to pour in her opiates, to quiet conviction and obtund remorse.

I never desire to converse with a man who has written more than he has read.

Pointed axioms and acute replies fly loose about the world, and are assigned successively to those whom it may be the fashion to celebrate.

As any action or posture, long continued, will distort and disfigure the limbs, so the mind likewise is crippled and contracted by perpetual application to the same set of ideas.

Those who attain any excellence, commonly spend life in one pursuit; for excellence is not often gained upon easier terms.

It is commonly a weak man who marries for love.

He who endeavors to please must appear pleased.