The essence of poetry is invention; such invention as, by producing something unexpected, surprises and delights.

Whatever withdraws us from the power of our senses; whatever makes the past, the distant, or the future, predominate over the present, advances us in the dignity of thinking beings. Far from me, and far from my friends be such frigid philosophy as may conduct us indifferent and unmoved over any ground which has been dignified by wisdom, bravery, or virtue. That man is little to be envied whose patriotism would not gain force upon the plain of Marathon, or whose piety would not grow warmer among the ruins of Ionia.

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

Ancient travelers guessed; modern travelers measure.

Most men are more willing to indulge in easy vices than to practise laborious virtues.

Wine makes a man better pleased with himself. I do not say that it makes him more pleasing to others.

In a man's letters you know, Madam, his soul lies naked, his letters are only the mirror of his breast, whatever passes within him is shown undisguised in its natural process. Nothing is inverted, nothing distorted, you see systems in their elements, you discover actions in their motives.