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

Everything that enlarges the sphere of human powers, that shows man he can do what he thought he could not do, is valuable.

No mind is much employed upon the present; recollection and anticipation fill up almost all our moments.

The power, indeed, of every individual is small, and the consequence of his endeavours imperceptible, in a general prospect of the world. Providence has given no man ability to do much, that something might be left for every man to do. The business of life is carried on by a general co-operation; in which the part of any single man can be no more distinguished, than the effect of a particular drop when the meadows are floated by a summer shower: yet every drop increases the inundation, and every hand adds to the happiness or misery of mankind.

The applause of a single human being is of great consequence.

If we will have the kindness of others, we must endure their follies.

It is much easier not to write like a man than to write like a woman.