Common sense, to most people, is nothing more than their own opinions.

The objects that we have known in better days are the main props that sustain the weight of our affections, and give us strength to await our future lot.

We often choose a friend as we do a mistress - for no particular excellence in themselves, but merely from some circumstance that flatters our self-love.

Every man depends on the quantity of sense, wit, or good manners he brings into society for the reception he meets with in it.

There are many who talk on from ignorance rather than from knowledge, and who find the former an inexhaustible fund of conversation.

A life of action and danger moderates the dread of death.

True friendship is self-love at second hand; where, as in a flattering mirror we may see our virtues magnified and our errors softened, and where we may fancy our opinion of ourselves confirmed by an impartial and faithful witness.