Painting gives the object itself; poetry what it implies. Painting embodies what a thing contains in itself; poetry suggests what exists out of it, in any manner connected with it.

The world dread nothing so much as being convinced of their errors.

Good temper is one of the great preservers of the features.

Society is a more level surface than we imagine. Wise men or absolute fools are hard to be met with, as there are few giants or dwarfs.

Believe all the good you can of everyone. Do not measure others by yourself. If they have advantages which you have not, let your liberality keep pace with their good fortune. Envy no one, and you need envy no one.

He is a hypocrite who professes what he does not believe; not he who does not practice all he wishes or approves.

No one ever approaches perfection except by stealth, and unknown to themselves.