We are really so prejudiced by our educations, that, as the ancients deified their heroes, we deify their madmen.

Whatever poets may write, or fools believe, of rural innocence and truth, and of the perfidy of courts, this is most undoubtedly true,--that shepherds and ministers are both men; their natures and passions the same, the modes of them only different.

If we do not plant knowledge when young, it will give us no shade when we are old.

A novel must be exceptionally good to live as long as the average cat.

People will no more advance their civility to a bear, than their money to a bankrupt.

Aim at perfection in everything, though in most things it is unattainable. However, they who aim at it, and persevere, will come much nearer to it than those whose laziness and despondency make them give it up as unattainable.

Style is the dress of thoughts; and let them be ever so just, if your style is homely, coarse, and vulgar, they will appear to as much disadvantage, and be as ill received, as your person, though ever so well-proportioned, would if dressed in rags, dirt, and tatters.