Uncommon expressions are a disfigurement rather than an embellishment of discourse.

Art may make a suite of clothes, but nature must produce a man.

...virtue is attended by more peace of mind than vice, and meets with a more favourable reception from the world. I am sensible, that, according to the past experience of mankind, friendship is the chief joy of human life and moderation the only source of tranquillity and happiness.

It is not contrary to reason to prefer the destruction of the whole world to the scratching of my finger.

Courage, of all national qualities, is the most precarious; because it is exerted only at intervals, and by a few in every nation; whereas industry, knowledge, civility, may be of constant and universal use, and for several ages, may become habitual to the whole people.

I cannot but bless the memory of Julius Caesar, for the great esteem he expressed for fat men and his aversion to lean ones.

The rules of morality are not the conclusion of our reason.