Mankind is made up of inconsistencies, and no man acts invariably up to his predominant character. The wisest man sometimes acts weakly, and the weakest sometimes wisely. Most people enjoy the inferiority of their best friends. 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. Never seem wiser, nor more learned, than the people you are with. Wear your learning, like your watch, in a private pocket; and do not merely pull it out and strike it; merely to show that you have one. Take care in your minutes, and the hours will take care of themselves. The less one has to do, the less time one finds to do it in. In my mind, there is nothing so illiberal, and so ill-bred, as audible laughter. | 
