Avoid Extremes; and shun the fault of such Who still are pleas'd too little or too much.

I believe it is no wrong Observation, that Persons of Genius, and those who are most capable of Art, are always fond of Nature, as such are chiefly sensible, that all Art consists in the Imitation and Study of Nature. On the contrary, People of the common Level of Understanding are principally delighted with the Little Niceties and Fantastical Operations of Art, and constantly think that finest which is least Natural.

Whatever is, is right.

No writing is good that does not tend to better mankind in some way or other.

Know then thyself, presume not God to scan; The proper study of mankind is man.

No craving void left aching in the soul.

Careless of censure, nor too fond of fame, Still pleased to praise, yet not afraid to blame, Averse alike to flatter or offend, Not free from faults, nor yet too vain to mend.