It is necessary to the success of flattery, that it be accommodated to particular circumstances or characters, and enter the heart on that side where the passions are ready to receive it.

A cucumber should be well sliced, and dressed with pepper and vinegar, and then thrown out as good for nothing.

Very few live by choice. Every man is placed in his present condition by causes which acted without his foresight, and with which he did not always willingly cooperate; and therefore you will rarely meet one who does not think the lot of his neighbor better than his own.

I am sorry I have not learnt to play at cards. It is very useful in life: it generates kindness and consolidates society.

Every old man complains of the growing depravity of the world, of the petulance and insolence of the rising generation.

The true genius is a mind of large general powers, accidentally determined to some particular direction.

Bounty always receives part of its value from the manner in which it is bestowed.

Let him that desires to see others happy, make haste to give while his gift can be enjoyed, and remember that every moment of delay takes away something from the value of his benefaction.

Almost all the moral good which is left among us is the apparent effect of physical evil.

As I know more of mankind I expect less of them, and am ready now to call a man a good man upon easier terms than I was formerly.