My dear Smollett ... disgraces his talent by writing those stupid romances called history.

People commonly educate their children as they build their houses, according to some plan they think beautiful, without considering whether it is suited to the purposes for which they are designed.

As I approach a second childhood, I endeavor to enter into the pleasures of it.

We are no more free agents than the queen of clubs when she victoriously takes prisoner the knave of hearts.

I have often observ'd the loudest Laughers to be the dullest Fellows in the Company.

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

I have never, in all my various travels, seen but two sorts of people I mean men and women, who always have been, and ever will be, the same. The same vices and the same follies have been the fruit of all ages, though sometimes under different names.