“A man who uses a great many words to express his meaning is like a bad marksman who, instead of aiming a single stone at an object, takes up a handful and throws at it in hopes he may hit.”

Advice is seldom welcome. Those who need it most, like it least.

No man will be a sailor who has contrivance enough to get himself into a jail; for being in a ship is being in a jail, with the chance of being drowned. A man in a jail has more room, better food, and commonly better company.

When once the forms of civility are violated, there remains little hope of return to kindness or decency.

Language is the dress of thought; every time you talk your mind is on parade.

It is better to live rich than to die rich.

There are two types of knowledge. One is knowing a thing. The other is knowing where to find it.

Almost every man wastes part of his life attempting to display qualities which he does not possess.

A decent provision for the poor is the true test of civilization.

Never trust your tongue when your heart is bitter.

Men more frequently require to be reminded than informed.

Women have two weapons – cosmetics and tears

Sir, I have found you an argument; but I am not obliged to find you an understanding.

What is written without effort is in general read without pleasure.

Slander is the revenge of a coward, and dissimulation of his defense.

I never desire to converse with a man who has written more than he has read.

Love is the wisdom of the fool and the folly of the wise.