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

Levellers wish to level down as far as themselves; but they cannot bear levelling up to themselves.

As any action or posture, long continued, will distort and disfigure the limbs, so the mind likewise is crippled and contracted by perpetual application to the same set of ideas.

When the original is well chosen and judiciously copied, the imitator often arrives at excellence which he could never have attained without direction; for few are formed with abilities to discover new possibilities of excellence, and to distinguish themselves by means never tried before.

Politeness is one of those advantages which we never estimate rightly but by the inconvenience of its loss.

He who aspires to be a serious wine drinker must drink claret.

By those who look close to the ground dirt will be seen. I hope I see things from a greater distance.