Men are alike in their promises. It is only in their deeds that they differ.

Writing is like prostitution. First you do it for love, and then for a few close friends, and then for money.

The more we love our friends the less we flatter them it is by excusing nothing that pure love shows itself.

Some of the most famous books are the least worth reading. Their fame was due to their having done something that needed to be doing in their day. The work is done and the virtue of the book has expired.