We should do by our cunning as we do by our courage--always have it ready to defend ourselves, never to offend others.

Whatever natural right men may have to freedom and independency, it is manifest that some men have a natural ascendency over others.

What an argument in favor of social connections is the observation that by communicating our grief we have less, and by communicating our pleasure we have more.

I hardly know so true a mark of a little mind as the servile imitation of others.

A lively and agreeable man has not only the merit of liveliness and agreeableness himself, but that also of awakening them in others.

Discernment is a power of the understanding in which few excel. Is not that owing to its connection with impartiality and truth? for are not prejudice and partiality blind?

Respect is better procured by exacting than soliciting it.