I like a person who knows his own mind and sticks to it; who sees at once what is to be done in given circumstances and does it. He does not beat about the bush for difficulties or excuses, but goes the shortest and most effectual way to work to attain his own ends, or to accomplish a useful object.

We are very much what others think of us. The reception our observations meet with gives us courage to proceed, or damps our efforts.

A King (as such) is not a great man. He has great power, but it is not his own.

We grow tired of ourselves, much more of other people.

The assumption of merit is easier, less embarrassing, and more effectual than the actual attainment of it.

In some situations, if you say nothing, you are called dull; if you talk, you are thought impertinent and arrogant. It is hard to know what to do in this case. The question seems to be, whether your vanity or your prudence predominates.

Honesty is one part of eloquence. We persuade others by being in earnest ourselves.