The mischief of flattery is, not that it persuades any man that he is what he is not, but that it suppresses the influence of honest ambition, by raising an opinion that honour may be gained without the toil of merit.

Depend upon it that if a man talks of his misfortunes there is something in them that is not disagreeable to him; for where there is nothing but pure misery there never is any recourse to the mention of it.

A short letter to a distant friend is, in my opinion, an insult like that of a slight bow or cursory salutation - a proof of unwillingness to do much, even where there is a necessity of doing something.

We are more pained by ignorance than delighted by instruction.

Tears are often to be found where there is little sorrow, and the deepest sorrow without any tears.

A little knowledge is a dangerous thing - it only hastens fools to rush in where angels fear to tread.

Those authors are to be read at schools that supply most axioms of prudence.