It is commonly supposed that the uniformity of a studious life affords no matter for narration: but the truth is, that of the most studious life a great part passes without study. An author partakes of the common condition of humanity; he is born and married like another man; he has hopes and fears, expectations and disappointments, griefs and joys, and friends and enemies, like a courtier or a statesman; nor can I conceive why his affairs shuld not excite curiosity as much as the whisper of a drawing-room, or the factions of a camp.

Guilt once harbored in the conscious breast, intimidates the brave, degrades the great.

Ease, a neutral state between pain and pleasure ... if it is not rising into pleasure will be falling towards pain.

When a man feel the reprehension of a friend seconded by his own heart, he is easily heated into resentment.

Time quickly puts an end to artificial and accidental fame

Abuse is often of service. There is nothing so dangerous to an author as silence.

Prejudice, not being founded on reason, cannot be removed by argument.