Every man may speak truly, but to speak methodically, prudently, and fully is a talent that few men have.

I find that the best virtue I have has in it some tincture of vice.

We have the pleasures suitable to our lot; let us not usurp those of greatness. Ours are more natural and all the more solid and sure for being humbler. Since we will not do so out of conscience, at least out of ambition let us reject ambition.

I love those historians that are either very simple or most excellent. Such as are between both (which is the most common fashion), it is they that spoil all; they will needs chew our meat for us and take upon them a law to judge, and by consequence to square and incline the story according to their fantasy.

I speak to the paper, as I speak to the first person I meet.

Tis the taste of effeminacy that disrelishes ordinary and accustomed things.

O human creature,you are the investigator without knowledge, the magistrate without jurisdiction, and all in all, the fool of the farce.