It is a most mortifying reflection for a man to consider what he has done, compared to what he might have done.

The task of an author is, either to teach what is not known, or to recommend known truths by his manner of adorning them; either to let new light in upon the mind, and open new scenes to the prospect, or to vary the dress and situation of common objects, so as to give them fresh grace and more powerful attractions, to spread such flowers over the regions through which the intellect has already made its progress, as may tempt it to return, and take a second view of things hastily passed over, or negligently regarded.

Whoever shall review his life, will find that the whole tenor of his conduct has been determined by some accident of no apparent moment.

There are minds so impatient of inferiority that their gratitude is a species of revenge, and they return benefits, not because recompense is a pleasure, but because obligation is a pain.

Yet it is necessary to hope, though hope should always be deluded; for hope itself is happiness, and its frustrations, however frequent, are yet less dreadsul than its extinction.

That is the happiest conversation where there is no competition, no vanity, but a calm, quiet interchange of sentiments...

I do not much wish well to discoveries, for I am always afraid they will end in conquest and robbery.