I have never had any great esteem for the generality of the fair sex, and my only consolation for being of that gender has been the assurance it gave me of never being married to any one among them.

Be plain in dress, and sober in your diet; In short, my deary, kiss me, and be quiet.

Miserable is the fate of writers: if they are agreeable, they are offensive; and if dull, they starve.

Gardening is certainly the next amusement to reading.

It's in no way my interest (according to the common acceptance of that word) to convince the world of their errors; that is, I shall get nothing from it but the private satisfaction of having done good to mankind, and I know nobody that reckons that satisfaction any part of their interest.

Begin nothing without considering what the end may be.

It has all been most interesting.