As he that lives longest lives but a little while, every man may be certain that he has no time to waste. The duties of life are commensurate to its duration; and every day brings its task, which, if neglected, is doubled on the morrow.

That the happiness of man may still remain imperfect, as wants in this place are easily supplied, new wants likewise are easily created; every man, in surveying the shops of London, sees numberless instruments and conveniencies, of which, while he did not know them, he never felt the need; and yet, when use has made them familiar, wonders how life could be supported without them. Thus it comes to pass, that our desires always increase with our possessions; the knowledge that something remains yet unenjoyed, impairs our enjoyment of the good before us.

Quack: A boastful pretender to arts which he does not understand. A vain boastful pretender to physick; An artful, tricking practitioner in physick.

The happiness of London is not to be conceived but by those who have been in it.

The fountain of contentment must spring up in the mind.

It is however, reasonable, to have perfection in our eye; that we may always advance towards it, though we know it never can be reached.

You may translate books of science exactly. ... The beauties of poetry cannot be preserved in any language except that in which it was originally written.