[French] authors are more afraid of offending delicacy and rules, than ambitious of sublimity.

Without grace no book can live, and with it the poorest may have its life prolonged.

I firmly believe, notwithstanding all our complaints, that almost every person upon earth tastes upon the totality more happiness than misery.

Oh that I were seated as high as my ambition, I'd place my naked foot on the necks of monarchs.

Cunning is neither the consequence of sense, nor does it give sense. A proof that it is not sense, is that cunning people never imagine that others can see through them. It is the consequence of weakness.

The best sun we have is made of Newcastle coal, and I am determined never to reckon upon any other.

Poetry is a beautiful way of spoiling prose, and the laborious art of exchanging plain sense for harmony.