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

I am afraid we are little better than straws upon the water; we may flatter ourselves that we swim, when the current carries us along.

A face is too slight a foundation for happiness.

Life is too short for a long story

We are educated in the grossest ignorance, and no art omitted to stifle our natural reason; if some few get above their nurses instructions, our knowledge must rest concealed and be as useless to the world as gold in the mine.

I despise the pleasure of pleasing people that I despise.

No modest man ever did or ever will make a fortune.