All knowledge is of itself of some value. There is nothing so minute or inconsiderable, that I would not rather know it than not. In the same manner, all power, of whatever sort, is of itself desirable. A man would not submit to learn to hem a ruffle, of his wife, or his wife's maid; but if a mere wish could attain it, he would rather wish to be able to hem a ruffle.

Praise, like gold and diamonds, owes its value only to its scarcity.

An epithet or metaphor drawn from nature ennobles art; an epithet or metaphor drawn from art degrades nature.

Were it not for imagination a man would be as happy in the arms of a chambermaid as of a duchess.

No, Sir, you will have much more influence by giving or lending money where it is wanted, than by hospitality.

When a man is tired of London, he is tired of life; for there is in London all that life can afford.

Those who will not take the trouble to think for themselves, have always somebody that thinks for them; and the difficulty in writing is to please those from whom others learn to be pleased.