A man knows his companion in a long journey and a little inn.

An orator can hardly get beyond commonplaces: if he does he gets beyond his hearers.

Men are in numberless instances qualified for certain things, for no other reason than because they are qualified for nothing else.

Those who are pleased with the fewest things know the least, as those who are pleased with everything know nothing.

Silence is one great art of conversation. He is not a fool who knows when to hold his tongue; and a person may gain credit for sense, eloquence, wit, who merely says nothing to lessen the opinion which others have of these qualities in themselves.

We talk little when we do not talk about ourselves.

There is nothing good to be had in the country, or if there is, they will not let you have it.