New arts are long in the world before poets describe them; for they borrow everything from their predecessors, and commonly derive very little from nature or from life.

Melancholy, indeed, should be diverted by every means but drinking.

The specualtist, who is not content with superficial views, harasses himself with fruitless curiosity; and still, as he inquires more, perceives only that he knows less.

Allow children to be happy in their own way, for what better way will they find?

Men are like stone jugs - you may lug them where you like by the ears.

Leisure and curiosity might soon make great advances in useful knowledge, were they not diverted by minute emulation and laborious trifles.

A decent provision for the poor is the true test of civilization.