Most men think indistinctly, and therefore cannot speak with exactness . . .

Sir, I have found you an argument; but I am not obliged to find you an understanding.

The task of an author is, either to teach what is not known, or to recommend known truths by his manner of adorning them; either to let new light in upon the mind, and open new scenes to the prospect, or to vary the dress and situation of common objects, so as to give them fresh grace and more powerful attractions, to spread such flowers over the regions through which the intellect has already made its progress, as may tempt it to return, and take a second view of things hastily passed over, or negligently regarded.

You cannot, by all the lecturing in the world, enable a man to make a shoe.

Patron: One who countenances, supports or protects. Commonly a wretch who supports with insolence, and is repaid in flattery.

No man will be found in whose mind airy notions do not sometimes tyrannize, and force him to hope or fear beyond the limits of sober probability.

Ignorance cannot always be inferred from inaccuracy; knowledge is not always present.