Most of the methods for measuring the lapse of time have, I believe, been the contrivance of monks and religious recluses, who, finding time hang heavy on their hands, were at some pains to see how they got rid of it.

Our opinions are not our own, but in the power of sympathy. If a person tells us a palpable falsehood, we not only dare not contradict him, but we dare hardly disbelieve him to his face. A lie boldly uttered has the effect of truth for the instant.

The way to get on in the world is to be neither more nor less wise, neither better nor worse than your neighbours.

Life is the art of being well deceived; and in order that the deception may succeed it must be habitual and uninterrupted.

No man can thoroughly master more than one art or science.

A situation in a public office is secure, but laborious and mechanical, and without the great springs of life, hope and fear.

We prefer a person with vivacity and high spirits, though bordering upon insolence, to the timid and pusillanimous; we are fonder of wit joined to malice than of dullness without it.