“Many a man would rather you heard his story than grant his request.”

“Be wiser than other people if you can; but do not tell them so.”

“Never seem more learned than the people you are with. Wear your learning like a pocket watch and keep it hidden. Do not pull it out to count the hours, but give the time when you are asked.”

“Man cannot discover new oceans unless he has the courage to lose sight of the shore for a very long time.”

“Words are the dress of thoughts; which should no more be presented in rags, tatters, and dirt than your person should.”

“Common sense (which, in truth, is very uncommon) is the best sense I know of: abide by it; it will counsel you best.”

“Whatever is worth doing at all is worth doing well.”