“A reader seldom peruses a book with pleasure until he knows whether the writer of it be a black man or a fair man, of a mild or choleric disposition, married or a bachelor”

“Nothing is more amiable than true modesty, and nothing more contemptible than the false”

“Good nature is more agreeable in conversation than wit, and gives a certain air to the countenance which is more amiable than beauty”

“Plenty of people wish to become devout, but no one wishes to be humble”

“Some virtues are only seen in affliction and others only in prosperity”

“Men may change their climate, but they cannot change their nature. A man that goes out a fool cannot ride or sail himself into common sense”