I have known some men possessed of good qualities which were very serviceable to others, but useless to themselves; like a sun-dial on the front of a house, to inform the neighbours and passengers, but not the owner within.

Rhetoric in serious discourses is like the flowers in corn; pleasing to those who come only for amusement, but prejudicial to him who would reap profit from it.

When a real genius appeares in this world, you'll know him by the fact that all the fools have allied against him.

Ever eating, never cloying, All-devouring, all-destroying Never finding full repast, Till I eat the world at last.

The affectation of some late authors to introduce and multiply cant words is the most ruinous corruption in any language.

I know Sir John will go, though he was sure it would rain cats and dogs.

Poor nations are hungry, and rich nations are proud; and pride and hunger will ever be at variance.