To be flattered is grateful, even when we know that our praises are not believed by those who pronounce them; for they prove, at least, our power, and show that our favour is valued, since it is purchased by the meanness of falsehood.

Every man is of importance to himself.

While an author is yet living, we estimate his powers by his worst performance; and when he is dead, we rate him by his best.

No degree of knowledge attainable by man is able to set him above the want of hourly assistance, or to extinguish the desire of fond endearments and tender officiousness; and, therefore, no one should think it unnecessary to learn those arts by which friendship may be gained.

That observation which is called knowledge of the world will be found much more frequently to make men cunning than good.

The greatest part of a writer's time is spent in reading in order to write. A man will turn over half a library to make a book.

Whatever you have spend less.