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.

The dependant who cultivates delicacy in himself very little consults his own tranquillity.

Some people have a foolish way of not minding, or pretending not to mind, what they eat. For my part, I mind my belly very studiously, and very carefully; for I look upon it, that he who does not mind his belly will hardly mind anything else.

No member of a society has a right to teach any doctrine contrary to what the society holds to be true.

Words are but the signs of ideas.

The habit of looking on the bright side of every event is worth more than a thousand pounds a year.

Of a thousand shavers, two do not shave so much alike as not to be distinguished.