Of the present state, whatever it be, we feel and are forced to confess the misery; yet when the same state is again at a distance, imagination paints it as desirable.

We may have uneasy feelings for seeing a creature in distress without pity; for we have not pity unless we wish to relieve them.

It is wonderful what a difference learning makes upon people even in the common intercourse of life, which does not appear to be much connected with it.

Try and forget our cares and sickness, and contribute, as we can to the happiness of each other.

It is justly considered as the greatest excellency of art to imitate nature; but it is necessary to distinguish those parts of nature which are most proper for imitation: greater care is still required in representing life, which is so often discoloured by passion or deformed by wickedness. If the world be promiscuously described, I cannot see of what use it can be to read the account; or why it may not be as safe to turn the eye immediately upon mankind, as upon a mirror which shows all that presents itself without discrimination.

Knowledge is more than equivalent to force. The master of mechanics laughs at strength.

Men who cannot deceive others are very often successful at deceiving themselves.