It was for the sake of what had been, rather than what was.

We do not look in great cities for our best morality.

There seems almost a general wish of descrying the capacity and undervaluing the labour of the novelist, and of slighting the performances which have only genius, wit, and taste to recommend them.

I am certainly the most fortunate creature that ever existed!

...I will not allow books to prove any thing." "But how shall we prove any thing?" "We never shall.

That is what I like; that is what a young man ought to be. Whatever be his pursuits, his eagerness in them should know no moderation, and leave him no sense of fatigue.

Maybe it’s that I find it hard to forgive the follies and vices of others, or their offenses against me. My good opinion, once lost, is lost forever.