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.

From ignorance our comfort flows, the only wretched are the wise

A man ought to read just as inclination leads him, for what he reads as a task will do him little good.

The hour of reformation is always delayed; every delay gives vice another opportunity of fortifying itself by habit.

Indolence is the devil's cushion.

Disappointment, when it involves neither shame nor loss, is as good as success; for it supplies as many images to the mind, and as many topics to the tongue.

Modern writers are the moons of literature; they shine with reflected light, with light borrowed from the ancients.