Every man speaks and writes with intent to be understood; and it can seldom happen but he that understands himself might convey his notions to another, if, content to be understood, he did not seek to be admired.

I have always considered a clergyman as the father of a larger family than he is able to maintain.

I live in the crowd of jollity, not so much to enjoy company as to shun myself.

No man is much pleased with a companion who does not increase, in some respect, his fondness of himself.

A man had rather have a hundred lies told of him than one truth which he does not wish should be told.

It is as foolish to make experiments upon the constancy of a friend, as upon the chastity of a wife.

There is no being so poor and so contemptible, who does not think there is somebody still poorer, and still more contemptible.

That is the happiest conversation where there is no competition, no vanity, but a calm quiet interchange of sentiments.

Every man wishes to be wise, and they who cannot be wise are almost always cunning.

You may scold a carpenter who has made you a bad table, though you cannot make a table. It is not your trade to make tables.