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.

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?