But to the particular species of excellence men are directed, not by an ascendant planet or predominating humour, but by the first book which they read, some early conversation which they heard, or some accident which excited ardour and emulation.

No writer can be fully convicted of imitation except there is a concurrence of more resemblance than can be imagined to have happened by chance; as where the same ideas are conjoined without any natural series or necessary coherence, or where not only the thought but the words are copied.

Corneille is to Shakespeare as a clipped hedge is to a forest.

People in distress never think that you feel enough.

Much is due to those who first broke the way to knowledge, and left only to their successors the task of smoothing it.

The time will come to every human being when it must be known how well he can bear to die.

He that will enjoy the brightness of sunshine, must quit the coolness of the shade.