To be forward to praise others implies either great eminence, that can afford to, part with applause; or great quickness of discernment, with confidence in our own judgments; or great sincerity and love of truth, getting the better of our self-love.

There are few things in which we deceive ourselves more than in the esteem we profess to entertain for our firends. It is little better than a piece of quackery. The truth is, we think of them as we please, that is, as they please or displease us.

Prejudice is the child of ignorance.

A strong passion for any object will ensure success, for the desire of the end will point out the means.

To a superior race of being the pretensions of mankind to extraordinary sanctity and virtue must seem... ridiculous.

To-day kings, to-marrow beggars, it is only when they are themselves that they are nothing.

Dandyism is a variety of genius.