A solid and substantial greatness of soul looks down with neglect on the censures and applauses of the multitude.

Our Grub-street biographers watch for the death of a great man like so many undertakers on purpose to make a penny of him.

What can be nobler than the idea it gives us of the Supreme Being?

Nothing is more amiable than true modesty, and nothing more contemptible than the false. The one guards virtue, the other betrays it.

A man who has any relish for fine writing either discovers new beauties or receives stronger impressions from the masterly strokes of a great author every time he peruses him; besides that he naturally wears himself into the same manner of speaking and thinking.

The most skillful flattery is to let a person talk on, and be a listener.

Man is distinguished from all other creatures by the faculty of laughter.