Some principles, either wholly erroneous or too far extended, hindered our success from being always equal to our diligence.

At last, by a concurrence of many causes, the European world was roused from its lethargy; curiosity and translation found their way to Britain.

To enforce and illustrate my meaning, I have sent you a journal of three days’ employment, found among the papers of a late intimate acquaintance.

Of those who once filled the civilized world with their renown, nothing is now left but their names

He that records transactions in which himself was engaged has an opportunity of knowing innumerable particulars which escape spectators.

Tell me what I must do next; I have health, I have money, and I hope that I have understanding; yet, with all these, I have never been able to pass a single day which I did not wish at an end before sun-set.

The natural progress of the works of men is from rudeness to convenience, from convenience to elegance, and from elegance to nicety.

I may doubt the power of money, since I have been a long time rich, and have not yet found that riches can make me happy.

Mr. Minim had now advanced himself to the zenith of critical reputation

To a study at once so easy and so reputable, so malicious and so harmless … all can be criticks if they will.