It is observed of gold, by an old epigrammatist, that to have it is to be in fear, and to want it is to be in sorrow.

A successful author is equally in danger of the diminution of his fame, whether he continues or ceases to write.

If a man could say nothing against a character but what he can prove, history could not be written.

The first step to greatness is to be honest.

I would advise you, Sir, to study algebra, if you are not an adept already in it: your head would get less muddy, and you will leave off tormenting your neighbours about paper and packthread, while we all live together in a world that is bursting with sin and sorrow.

It is so far from being natural for a man and woman to live in a state of marriage, that we find all the motives which they have for remaining in that connection, and the restraints which civilised society imposes to prevent separation, are hardly sufficient to keep them together.

Friends are often chosen for similitude of manners, and therefore each palliates the other's failings because they are his own.