When a true genius appears, you can know him by this sign: that all the dunces are in a confederacy against him.

There are certain common privileges of a writer, the benefit whereof, I hope, there will be no reason to doubt; particularly, that where I am not understood, it shall be concluded, that something very useful and profound is couched underneath; and again, that whatever word or sentence is printed in a different character, shall be judged to contain something extraordinary either or wit of sublime.

Though fear should lend him pinions like the wind, yet swifter fate will seize him from behind.

War: that mad game the world so loves to play.

It is a maxim, that those, to whom everybody allows the second place, have an undoubted title to the first.

All Pretences of foretelling by Astrology, are Deceits; for this manifest Reason, because the Wise and Learned, who can only judge whether there be any Truth in this Science, do all unanimously agree to laugh at and despise it; and none but the poor ignorant Vulgar give it any Credit.

Everyone desires long life, not one old age.