A well-read fool is the most pestilent of blockheads; his learning is a flail which he knows not how to handle, and with which he breaks his neighbor's shins as well as his own. Keep a fellow of this description at arm's length, as you value the integrity of your bones.

There are few defects in our nature so glaring as not to be veiled from observation by politeness and good-breeding.

Genius speaks only to genius.

To make good use of life, one should have in youth the experience of advanced years, and in old age the vigor of youth.

Misers are very kind people: they amass wealth for those who wish their death.

The instability of our tastes is the occasion of the irregularity of our lives.

There are few persons of greater worth than their reputation; but how many are there whose worth is far short of their reputation!