Writing a book I have found to be like building a house. A man forms a plan, and collects materials.

If a man who is born to a fortune cannot make himself easier and freer than those who are not, he gains nothing.

Wine makes a man better pleased with himself. I do not say that it makes him more pleasing to others. Sometimes it does. But the danger is, that while a man grows better pleased with himself, he may be growing less pleasing to others. Wine gives a man nothing. It neither gives him knowledge nor wit; it only animates a man, and enables him to bring out what a dread of the company has presented.

We had some port, and drank damnation to the play and eternal remorse to the author.

If a man is prodigal, he cannot be truly generous.

A companion loves some agreeable qualities which a man may possess, but a friend loves the man himself.

I went to my father's at night. He spoke of poor John [Boswell's brother] with disgust. I was shocked and said, "He's your son, and God made him." He answered very harshly, "If my sons are idiots, can I help it?