Abstinence is as easy to me as temperance would be difficult.

There is ... scarcely any species of writing of which we can tell what is its essence, and what are its constituents; every new genius produces some innovation, which, when invented and approved, subverts the rules which the practice of foregoing authors had established.

Always, Sir, set a high value on spontaneous kindness.

Great abilities are not requisite for an Historian; for in historical composition, all the greatest powers of the human mind are quiescent. He has facts ready to his hand; so there is no exercise of invention. Imagination is not required in any degree; only about as much as is used in the lowest kinds of poetry. Some penetration, accuracy, and coloring, will fit a man for the task, if he can give the application which is necessary.

It is better that some should be unhappy rather than that none should be happy, which would be the case in a general state of equality.

Our aspirations are our possibilities.

Of all the grief's that harass the distressed; sure the most bitter is a scornful jest.