Must helpless man, in ignorance sedate, roll darkly down the torrent of his fate.

A successful author is equally in danger of the diminution of his fame, whether he continues or ceases to write.

It is not difficult to conceive, however, that for many reasons a man writes much better than he lives. For without entering into refined speculations, it may be shown much easier to design than to perform. A man proposes his schemes of life in a state of abstraction and disengagement, exempt from the enticements of hope, the solicitations of affection, the importunities of appetite, or the depressions of fear.

Beauty, without kindness, dies unenjoyed and undelighting.

Other things may be seized by might, or purchased with money, but knowledge is to be gained only by study, and study to be prosecuted only in retirement.

The love of life is necessary to the vigorous prosecution of any undertaking

The end of writing is to instruct; the end of poetry is to instruct by pleasing.