The heroes of literary history have been no less remarkable for what they have suffered than for what they have achieved.

Whatever professes to benefit by pleasing must please at once. The pleasures of the mind imply something sudden and unexpected; that which elevates must always surprise.

The first step to greatness is to be honest.

It is however, reasonable, to have perfection in our eye; that we may always advance towards it, though we know it never can be reached.

Come, let me know what it is that makes a Scotch man happy!

We must consider how very little history there is--I mean real, authentic history. That certain kings reigned and certain battles were fought, we can depend upon as true; but all the coloring, all the philosophy, of history is conjecture.

The pleasure of expecting enjoyment is often greater than that of obtaining it, and the completion of almost every wish is found a disappointment.