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.

One of the most important but one of the most difficult things for a powerful mind is to be its own master.

The jealous man's disease is of so malignant a nature, that it converts all it takes into its own nourishment.

A man improves more by reading the story of a person eminent for prudence and virtue, than by the finest rules and precepts of morality.

A true critic ought to dwell upon excellencies rather than imperfections, to discover the concealed beauties of a writer, and communicate to the world such things as are worth their observation.

He only is a great man who can neglect the applause of the multitude and enjoy himself independent of its favor.

Must one rash word, the infirmity of age, throw down the merit of my better years?