No man reads a book of science from pure inclination. The books that we do read with pleasure are light compositions, which contain a quick succession of events.

To write is, indeed, no unpleasing employment, when one sentiment readily produces another, and both ideas and expressions present themselves at the first summons; but such happiness, the greatest genius does not always obtain; and common writers know it only to such a degree, as to credit its possibility. Composition is, for the most part, an effort of slow diligence and steady perseverance, to which the mind is dragged by necessity or resolution, and from which the attention is every moment starting to more delightful amusements.

[W]ith an unquiet mind, neither exercise, nor diet, nor physick can be of much use.

I am always for getting a boy forward in his learning, for that is sure good. I would let him at first read any English book which happens to engage his attention; because you have done a great deal when you have brought him to have entertainment from a book. He'll get better books afterwards.

A horse that can count to ten is a remarkable horse, not a remarkable mathematician.

We are told, that the black bear is innocent; but I should not like to trust myself with him.

Sir, a man who cannot get to heaven in a green coat, will not find his way thither the sooner in a grey one.