A true critic, in the perusal of a book, is like a dog at a feast, whose thoughts and stomach are wholly set upon what the guests fling away, and consequently is apt to snarl most when there are the fewest bones.

Those dreams that on the silent night intrude, and with false flitting shapes our minds delude ... are mere productions of the brain. And fools consult interpreters in vain.

Big-endians and small-endians.

Usually speaking, the worst-bred person in company is a young traveller just returned from abroad.

All human race would be wits. And millions miss, for one that hits.

Brisk talkers are usually slow thinkers. There is, indeed, no wild beast more to be dreaded than a communicative man having nothing to communicate. If you are civil to the voluble they will abuse your patience; if brusque, your character.

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