Nothing is more ridiculous than ridicule.

Never did any soul do good but it came readier to do the same again, with more enjoyment. Never was love or gratitude or bounty practiced but with increasing joy, which made the practicer still more in love with the fair act.

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

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

They who are great talkers in company have never been any talkers by themselves, nor used to private discussions of our home regimen.

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 necessary a writing critic should understand how to write. And though every writer is not bound to show himself in the capacity of critic, every writing critic is bound to show himself capable of being a writer; for if he be apparently impotent in this latter kind, he is to be denied all title or character in the other.