No man can taste the fruits of autumn while he is delighting his scent with the flowers of spring.

The true art of memory is the art of attention.

A horse that can count to ten is a remarkable horse, not a remarkable mathematician.

There are certain topicks which are never exhausted. Of some images and sentiments the mind of man may be said to be enamoured; it meets them, however often they occur, with the same ardour which a lover feels at the sight of his mistress, and parts from them with the same regret when they can no longer be enjoyed.

It is better that some should be unhappy rather than that none should be happy, which would be the case in a general state of equality.

Self-love is a busy prompter.

A simile, to be perfect, must both illustrate and ennoble the subject; must show it to the understanding in a clearer view, and display it to the fancy with greater dignity; but either of these qualities may be sufficient to recommend it.... That it may be complete, it is required to exhibit, independently of its references, a pleasing image; for a simile is said to be a short episode.