“There are many more shining qualities in the mind of man, but there is none so useful as discretion.”

To this end, nothing is to be more carefully consulted than plainness. In a lady’s attire this is the single excellence; for to be what some people call fine, is the same vice, in that case, as to be florid is in writing or speaking.

A wealthy doctor who can help a poor man, and will not without a fee, has less sense of humanity than a poor ruffian, who kills a rich man to supply his necessities.

Riches expose a man to pride and luxury, and a foolish elation of heart.

They were a people so primitive they did not know how to get money, except by working for it.

Nature has laid out all her art in beautifying the face; she has touched it with vermilion, planted in it a double row of ivory, made it the seat of smiles and blushes, lighted it up and enlivened it with the brightness of the eyes.

No one is more cherished in this world than someone who lightens the burden of another. Thank you.

Our disputants put me in mind of the cuttlefish that, when he is unable to extricate himself, blackens the water about him till he becomes invisible.

I Have often thought if the minds of men were laid open, we should see but little difference between that of the wise man and that of the fool.

How is it possible for those who are men of honor in their persons, thus to become notorious liars in their party

Hunting is not a proper employment for a thinking man.

Talking with a friend is nothing else but thinking aloud.

Women were formed to temper Mankind, and sooth them into Tenderness and Compassion; not to set an Edge upon their Minds, and blowup in them those Passions which are too apt to rise of their own Accord.

The transition from cause to effect, from event to event, is often carried on by secret steps, which our foresight cannot divine, and our sagacity is unable to trace.

Jesters do often prove prophets.

It is only imperfection that complains of what is imperfect. The more perfect we are the more gentle and quiet we become towards the defects of others.

There is nothing which strengthens faith more than the observance of morality.

So long as the laws remain such as they are today, employ some discretion: loud opinion forces us to do so; but in privacy and silence let us compensate ourselves for that cruel chastity we are obliged to display in public.