Corneille is to Shakespeare as a clipped hedge is to a forest.

It is good sense applied with diligence to what was at first a mere accident, and which by great application grew to be called, by the generality of mankind, a particular genius.

The mischief of flattery is, not that it persuades any man that he is what he is not, but that it suppresses the influence of honest ambition, by raising an opinion that honour may be gained without the toil of merit.

Almost all absurdity of conduct arises from the imitation of those who we cannot resemble.

A little knowledge is a dangerous thing - it only hastens fools to rush in where angels fear to tread.

There are some works which the authors must consign unpublished to posterity, however uncertain be the event, however hopeless be the trust. He that writes the history of his own times, if he adhere steadily to truth, will write that which his own times will not easily endure. He must be content to reposite his book till all private passions shall cease, and love and hatred give way to curiosity.

That observation which is called knowledge of the world will be found much more frequently to make men cunning than good.