To think ill of mankind and not wish ill to them, is perhaps the highest wisdom and virtue.

The surest hindrance of success is to have too high a standard of refinement in our own minds, or too high an opinion of the judgment of the public. He who is determined not to be satisfied with anything short of perfection will never do anything to please himself or others.

We are all of us, more or less, the slaves of opinion.

To speak highly of one with whom we are intimate is a species of egotism. Our modesty as well as our jealousy teaches us caution on this subject.

Cowardice is not synonymous with prudence. It often happens that the better part of discretion is valor.

Wonder at the first sight of works of art may be the effect of ignorance and novelty; but real admiration and permanent delight in them are the growth of taste and knowledge.

I like a friend the better for having faults that one can talk about.