A man of genius has been seldom ruined but by himself.

How small of all that human hearts endure, That part which laws or kings can cause or cure! Still to ourselves in every place consigned, Our own felicity we make or find. With secret course, which no loud storms annoy, Glides the smooth current of domestic joy.

I would be loath to speak ill of any person who I do not know deserves it, but I am afraid he is an attorney.

Truth, like beauty, varies its fashions, and is best recommended by different dresses to different minds; and he that recalls the attention of mankind to any part of learning which time has left behind it, may be truly said to advance the literatures of his own age. As the manners of nations vary, new topicks of persuasion become necessary, and new combinations of imagery are produced; and he that can accommodate himself to the reigning taste, may always have readers who perhaps would not have looked upon better performances.

Bachelors have consciences, married men have wives.

A generous and elevated mind is distinguished by nothing more certainly than an eminent degree of curiosity.

To neglect at any time preparation for death is to sleep on our post at a siege; to omit it in old age is to sleep at an attack.