Critics ought never to be consulted, but while errors may yet be rectified or insipidity suppressed. But when the book has once been dismissed into the world, and can be no more retouched, I know not whether a very different conduct should not be prescribed, and whether firmness and spirit may not sometimes be of use to overpower arrogance and repel brutality.

Curiosity is one of the most permanent and certain characteristics of a vigorous intellect.

The eye of the mind, like that of the body, can only extend its view to new objects, by losing sight of those which are now before it.

Language is the dress of thought.

The life of a solitary man will be certainly miserable, but not certainly devout.

Whoever commits a fraud is guilty not only of the particular injury to him who he deceives, but of the diminution of that confidence which constitutes not only the ease but the existence of society.

There is not, perhaps, to a mind well instructed, a more painful occurrence, than the death of one we have injured without reparation.