If a man could say nothing against a character but what he can prove, history could not be written.

Had I learned to fiddle, I should have done nothing else.

Adversity leads us to think properly of our state, and so is most beneficial to us.

We are not here to sell a parcel of boilers and vats, but the potentiality of growing rich beyond the dreams of avarice.

He that resigns his peace to little casualties, and suffers the course of his life to be interrupted for fortuitous inadvertencies or offences, delivers up himself to the direction of the wind, and loses all that constancy and equanimity which constitutes the chief praise of a wise man.

Advice, as it always gives a temporary appearance of superiority, can never be very grateful, even when it is most necessary or most judicious; but, for the same reason, every one is eager to instruct his neighbors.

Courtesy and good-humour are often found with little real worth.