“It is not from nature, but from education and habits, that our wants are chiefly derived.”

I describe not men, but manners; not an individual, but a species.

Enough is equal to a feast.

There is not in the universe a more ridiculous, nor a more contemptible animal, than a proud clergyman.

There cannot be a move glorious object in creation than a human being replete with benevolence, meditating in what manner he might render himself most acceptable to his Creator by doing most good to His creatures.

Fashion is the science of appearance, and it inspires one with the desire to seem rather than to be.

Good-humor will even go so far as often to supply the lack of wit.

In a debate, rather pull to pieces the argument of thy antagonists than offer him any of thy own; for thus thou wilt fight him in his own country.

When mighty roast beef was the Englishman’s food It ennobled our hearts and enriched our blood– Our soldiers were brave and our courtiers were good. Oh! the roast beef of England. And Old England’s roast beef.

Love may be likened to a disease in this respect, that when it is denied a vent in one part, it will certainly break out in another; hence what a woman’s lips often conceal, her eyes, her blushes, and many little involuntary actions betray.

What a silly fellow must he be who would do the devil’s work for free.

Wine is a turncoat; first a friend and then an enemy.

Custom may lead a man into many errors; but it justifies none.

However exquisitely human nature may have been described by writers, the true practical system can be learned only in the world.

There are two considerations which always imbitter the heart of an avaricious man–the one is a perpetual thirst after more riches, the other the prospect of leaving what he has already acquired.

We are as liable to be corrupted by books, as by companions.

Giving comfort under affliction requires that penetration into the human mind, joined to that experience which knows how to soothe, how to reason, and how to ridicule; taking the utmost care never to apply those arts improperly.