Invention is almost the only literary labour which blindness cannot obstruct.
There are, indeed, few kinds of composition from which an author, however learned or ingenious, can hope a long continuance of fame.
Those authors who would find many readers, must endeavour to please while they instruct.
Whoever desires, for his writings or himself, what none can reasonably contemn, the favour of mankind, must add grace to strength, and make his thoughts agreeable as well as useful. Many complain of neglect who never tried to attract regard.
The animadversions of critics are commonly such as may easily provoke the sedatest writer to some quickness of resentment and asperity of reply.
To read, write, and converse in due proportions, is, therefore, the business of a man of letters.
Those who will not take the trouble to think for themselves, have always somebody that thinks for them; and the difficulty in writing is to please those from whom others learn to be pleased.
Deign on the passing world to turn thine eyes, And pause awhile from letters, to be wise.
All argument is against it; but all belief is for it.
Of those that spin out trifles and die without a memorial, many flatter themselves with high opinions of their own importance, and imagine that they are every day adding some improvement to human life.
Ignorance is mere privation by which nothing can be produced: it is a vacuity in which the soul sits motionless and torpid for want of attraction: and, without knowing why, we always rejoice when we learn, and grieve when we forget.
Babies do not want to hear about babies; they like to be told of giants and castles.
There should be a stated day for commemorating the birthday of our Savior, because there is danger that what may be done on any day, will be neglected.
Happiness consists in the multiplicity of agreeable consciousness.
A lexicographer, a writer of dictionaries, a harmless drudge.
John Wesley’s conversation is good, but he is never at leisure. He is always obliged to go at a certain hour. This is very disagreeable to a man who loves to fold his legs and have his talk out as I do.
Men are like stone jugs – you may lug them where you like by the ears.
An old friend never can be found, and nature has provided that he cannot easily be lost.
It is common to overlook what is near by keeping the eye fixed on something remote.
Never speak of a man in his own presence. It is always indelicate, and may be offensive .