Even knowledge has to be in the fashion, and where it is not, it is wise to affect ignorance. - read more

Even knowledge has to be in the fashion, and where it is not, it is wise to affect ignorance. - The Art of Worldy Wisdom, 1647.

A modest woman, dressed out in all her finery, is the most tremendous object of the whole creation.

A modest woman, dressed out in all her finery, is the most tremendous object of the whole creation.

Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like
unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, read more

Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like
unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward,
but are within full of dead men's bones, and of all uncleanness.

Style is the dress of thoughts; and let them be ever so just, if your style is homely, coarse, and read more

Style is the dress of thoughts; and let them be ever so just, if your style is homely, coarse, and vulgar, they will appear to as much disadvantage, and be as ill received, as your person, though ever so well-proportioned, would if dressed in rags, dirt, and tatters.

To be rather than to seem.
[Lat., Esse quam videri.]

To be rather than to seem.
[Lat., Esse quam videri.]

People who want the most approval get the least and people who need approval the least get the most.

People who want the most approval get the least and people who need approval the least get the most.

You'd be surprised how much it costs to look this cheap.

You'd be surprised how much it costs to look this cheap.

There is no course of life so weak and sottish as that which is managed by order, method, and discipline.

There is no course of life so weak and sottish as that which is managed by order, method, and discipline.

When I see a bird that walks like a duck and swims like a duck and quacks like a duck, read more

When I see a bird that walks like a duck and swims like a duck and quacks like a duck, I call that bird a duck.