There are, indeed, few kinds of composition from which an author, however learned or ingenious, can hope a long continuance of fame.

There are, indeed, few kinds of composition from which an author, however learned or ingenious, can hope a long continuance of fame.

Few have abilities so much needed by the rest of the world as to be caressed on their own terms; and he that will not condescend to recommend himself by external embellishments must submit to the fate of just sentiment meanly expressed, and be ridiculed and forgotten before he is understood.

Treating your adversary with respect is giving him an advantage to which he is not entitled.

Whoever rises above those who once pleased themselves with equality, will have many malevolent gazers at his eminence.

As not every instance of similitude can be considered as a proof of imitation, so not every imitation ought to be stigmatised as plagiarism. The adoption of a noble sentiment, or the insertion of a borrowed ornament, may sometimes display so much judgment as will almost compensate for invention; and an inferior genius may, without any imputation of servility, pursue the paths of the ancients, provided he declines to tread in their footsteps.

There is certainly no greater happiness than to be able to look back on a life usefully and virtuously employed, to trace our own progress in existence, by such tokens as excite neither shame nor sorrow.