A generous and elevated mind is distinguished by nothing more certainly than an eminent degree of curiosity.

We may take Fancy for a companion, but must follow Reason as our guide.

Sir, you have but two topics, yourself and me. I am sick of both.

The world is like a grand staircase, some are going up and some are going down.

When a friend is carried to his grave, we at once find excuses for every weakness, and palliation of every fault. We recollect a thousand endearments, which before glided off our minds without impression, a thousand favors unrepaid, a thousand duties unperformed; and wish, vainly wish, for his return, not so much that we may receive as that we may bestow happiness, and recompense that kindness which before we never understood.

Vanity is so frequently the apparent motive of advice that we, for the most part, summon our powers to oppose it without very accurate inquiry whether it is right. It is sufficient that another is growing great in his own eyes at our expense, and assumes authority over us without our permission; for many would contentedly suffer the consequences of their own mistakes, rather than the insolence of him who triumphs as their deliverer.

It generally happens that assurance keeps an even pace with ability.