It is impossible for authors to discover beauties in one another's works; they have eyes only for spots and blemishes.

The memory is perpetually looking back when we have nothing present to entertain us. It is like those repositories in animals that are filled with food, on which they may ruminate when their present pastures fail.

Modesty is not only an ornament, but also a guard to virtue.

The circumstance which gives authors an advantage above all these great masters, is this, that they can multiply their originals; or rather, can make copies of their works, to what number they please, which shall be as valuable as the originals themselves.

Man is the merriest species of the creation; all above or below him are serious.

The care of our national commerce redounds more to the riches and prosperity of the public than any other act of government.

By anticipation we sugar misery and enjoy happiness before they are in being. We can set the sun and stars forward, or lose sight of them by wandering into those retired parts of eternity when the heavens and earth shall be no more.