It is always to be understood that a lady takes all you detract from the rest of her sex to be a gift to her.

Vanity is the natural weakness of an ambitious man, which exposes him to the secret scorn and derision of those he converses with, and ruins the character he is so industrious to advance by it.

Good nature is more agreeable in conversation than wit and gives a certain air to the countenance which is more amiable than beauty.

If I can in any way contribute to the Diversion or Improvement of the Country in which I live, I shall leave it, when I am summoned out of it, with the secret Satisfaction of thinking that I have not lived in vain.

A friend exaggerates a man's virtues; an enemy inflames his crimes.

The most exquisite words and finest strokes of an author are those which very often appear the most doubtful and exceptionable to a man who wants a relish for polite learning; and they are those which a sour undistinguishing critic generally attacks with the greatest violence.

There is not a more melancholy object than a man who has his head turned with religious enthusiasm.