To get a name can happen but to few. A name, even in the most commercial nation, is one of the few things which cannot be bought . It is the free gift of mankind, which must be deserved before it will be granted, and is at last unwillingly bestowed.

There are three distinct kind of judges upon all new authors or productions; the first are those who know no rules, but pronounce entirely from their natural taste and feelings; the second are those who know and judge by rules; and the third are those who know, but are above the rules. These last are those you should wish to satisfy. Next to them rate the natural judges; but ever despise those opinions that are formed by the rules.

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

Whoever desires, for his writings or himself, what none can reasonably contemn, the favour of mankind, must add grace to strength, and make his thoughts agreeable as well as useful. Many complain of neglect who never tried to attract regard.

Everything that enlarges the sphere of human powers, that shows man he can do what he thought he could not do, is valuable.

How is it that we hear the loudest yelps for liberty among the drivers of negroes?

A man is in general better pleased when he has a good dinner upon his table, than when his wife talks Greek.