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 are governed by sympathy; and the extent of our sympathy is determined by that of our sensibility

Fashion is gentility running away from vulgarity and afraid of being overtaken

There is a secret pride in every human heart that revolts at tyranny. You may order and drive an individual, but you cannot make him respect you.

Repose is as necessary in conversation as in a picture.

Want of principle is power. Truth and honesty set a limit to our efforts, which impudence and hypocrisy easily overleap.

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