William Godwin
In a well-written book we are presented with the maturest reflections, or the happiest flights of a mind of uncommon excellence. It is impossible that we can be much accustomed to such companions without attaining some resemblance to them.Collection: Book
If admiration were not generally deemed the exclusive property of the rich, and contempt the constant lackey of poverty, the love of gain would cease to be an universal problem.Collection: Gains
If ever there was a book calculated to make a man in love with its author, this appears to me to be the book.Collection: Book
It is absurd to expect the inclinations and wishes of two human beings to coincide, through any long period of time. To oblige them to act and live together is to subject them to some inevitable potion of thwarting, bickering, and unhappiness.Collection: Two
Perfectibility is one of the most unequivocal characteristics of the human species.Collection: Characteristics
He that revels in a well-chosen library, has innumerable dishes, and all of admirable flavour.Collection: Library
Of Belief Human mathematics, so to speak, like the length of life, are subject to the doctrine of chances.Collection: Length Of Life
The real or supposed rights of man are of two kinds, active and passive; the right in certain cases to do as we list; and the right we possess to the forbearance or assistance of other men. The first of these a just philosophy will probably induce us universally to explode.Collection: Philosophy