The diffusion of taste is not the same thing as the improvement of taste.
Poverty, when it is voluntary, is never despicable, but takes an heroical aspect.
Fashion is gentility running away from vulgarity and afraid of being overtaken
It is not the passion of a mind struggling with misfortune, or the hopelessness of its desires, but of a mind preying on itself, and disgusted with, or indifferent to all other things.
The ignorance of the world leaves one at the mercy of its malice.
Familiarity confounds all traits of distinction; interest and prejudice take away the power of judging.