The most useful truths are always universal, and unconnected with accidents and customs.

It is commonly observed, that when two Englishmen meet, their first talk is of the weather; they are in haste to tell each other, what each must already know, that it is hot or cold, bright or cloudy, windy or calm.

All wonder is the effect of novelty on ignorance.

To wipe all tears from off all faces is a task too hard for mortals; but to alleviate misfortunes is often within the most limited power: yet the opportunities which every day affords of relieving the most wretched of human beings are overlooked and neglected with equal disregard of policy and goodness.

Expectation improperly indulged in must end in disappointment.

To be idle and to be poor have always been reproaches, and therefore every man endeavors with his utmost care to hide his poverty from others, and his idleness from himself.

Friendship is seldom lasting but between equals, or where the superiority on one side is reduced by some equivalent advantage on the other.