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

Among many parallels which men of imagination have drawn between the natural and moral state of the world, it has been observed that happiness as well as virtue consists in mediocrity.

Norway, too, has noble prospects; and Lapland is remarkable for prodigious noble wild prospects. But, Sir, let me tell you, the noblest prospect which a Scotchman ever sees is the high road that leads him to England!

A few men are sufficient to broach falsehoods, which are afterwards innocently diffused by successive relaters.

I will take no more physick, not even my opiates; for I have prayed that I may render up my soul to God unclouded.

Every human being whose mind is not debauched, will be willing to give all that he has to get knowledge.

In discussing these exceptions from the course of nature, the first question is, whether the fact be justly stated. That which is strange is delightful, and a pleasing error is not willingly detected.