Gravity is of the very essence of imposture; it does not only mistake other things, but is apt perpetually almost to mistake itself.

It is the same with understanding as with eyes; to a certain size and make, just so much light is necessary, and no more. Whatever is beyond brings darkness and confusion.

Truth is the most powerful thing in the world, since even fiction itself must be governed by it, and can only please by its resemblance. The appearance of reality is necessary to make any passion agreeably represented, and to be able to move others we must be moved ourselves, or at least seem to be so, upon some probable grounds.

Nothing affects the heart like that which is purely from itself, and of its own nature; such as the beauty of sentiments, the grace of actions, the turn of characters, and the proportions and features of a human mind.

Remember that there is nothing in God but what is godlike; and that He is either not at all, or truly and perfectly good.

True features make the beauty of a face, and true proportions the beauty of architecture.

Gravity is of the very essence of imposture; it does not only mistake other things, but is apt perpetually almost to mistake itself.