Knowledge may give weight, but accomplishments give luster, and many more people see than weigh.

Knowledge may give weight, but accomplishments give lustre, and many more people see than weigh.

Learning is acquired by reading books, but the much more necessary learning, the knowledge of the world, is only to be acquired by reading men, and studying all the various facets of them.

Aim at perfection in everything, though in most things it is unattainable. However, they who aim at it, and persevere, will come much nearer to it than those whose laziness and despondency make them give it up as unattainable.

I look upon indolence as a sort of suicide; for the man is effectually destroyed, though the appetites of the brute may survive.

In matters of religion and matrimony I never give any advice; because I will not have anybody's torments in this world or the next laid to my charge.