I used to wonder how a man of birth and spirit could endure to be wholly insignificant and obscure in a foreign country, when he might live with lustre in his own.

That incessant envy wherewith the common rate of mankind pursues all superior natures to their own.

It is the talent of human nature to run from one extreme to another.

'Tis happy for him that his Father was born before him.

Just get the right syllable in the proper place.

I have ever hated all nations, professions, and communities, and all my love is toward individuals.

If it were a rainy day, a drunken vigil, a fit of the spleen, a course of physic, sleepy Sunday, an ill run at dice, a long tailor's bill, a beggar's purse, a factious head, a hot sun, costive diet, want of books, and a just contempt for learning - but for these. . .the number of authors and of writing would dwindle away to a degree most woeful to behold.