He that is loudly praised will be clamorously censured; he that rises hastily into fame will be in danger of sinking suddenly into oblivion.

Pleasure is very seldom found where it is sought. Our brightest blazes of gladness are commonly kindled by unexpected sparks.

Prudence is of more frequent use than any other intellectual quality; it is exerted on slight occasions.

There is such difference between the pursuits of men, that one part of the inhabitants of a great city lives to little other purpose than to wonder at the rest.

I sometimes resolve to print my book at my own expense, and sometimes am tempted to throw it into the fire.

I appeal to you, Mr. Idler, whether any thing could be more civil, more complaisant, than this?

To be a good man in a college, is to be learned; in a camp, to be brave; and in the city, to be rich.

He that would be superior to external influences must first become superior to his own passions.

It has been commonly remarked, that eminent men are least eminent at home, that bright characters lose much of their splendour at a nearer view.

The character of Mr. Marvel has raised the merriment of some and the contempt of others, who do not sufficiently consider how often they hear and practise the same arts of exaggerated narration.