Wine gives a man nothing... it only puts in motion what had been locked up in frost.

Great abilities are not requisite for an Historian; for in historical composition, all the greatest powers of the human mind are quiescent. He has facts ready to his hand; so there is no exercise of invention. Imagination is not required in any degree; only about as much as is used in the lowest kinds of poetry. Some penetration, accuracy, and coloring, will fit a man for the task, if he can give the application which is necessary.

Players, Sir! I look on them as no better than creatures set upon tables and joint stools to make faces and produce laughter, like dancing dogs.

Advertisements are now so numerous that they are very negligently perused

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

There is in this world no real delight (excepting those of sensuality), but exchange of ideas in conversation.

Trust as little as you can to report, and examine all you can by your own senses.