The desire for imaginary benefits often involves the loss of present blessings.

Better to starve free than be a fat slave

In a crisis, give help first and then advice.

Every truth has two sides; it is as well to look at both, before we commit ourselves to either.

Men often applaud an imitation and hiss the real thing.

Do nothing without regard to the consequences.

If you can't say anything nice, then don't say anything at all.

Those who return evil for good should not expect the kindness of others to last long.

A man is known by the company he keeps

He is not to be trusted as a friend who illtreats his own family.

If you choose bad companions, no one will believe that you are anything but bad yourself.

Better be wise by the misfortunes of others than by your own.

No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.

It is easy to be brave from a safe distance.

The smaller the mind the greater the conceit.

We hang the petty thieves and appoint the great ones to public office.

The grateful heart will always find opportunities to show its gratitude.

There is no fate more distressing for an artist than to have to show himself off before fools, to see his work exposed to the criticism of the vulgar and ignorant.

You have but to hold forth in cap and gown, and any gibberish becomes learning, all nonsense passes for sense.