So far is it from being true that men are naturally equal, that no two people can be half an hour together, but one shall acquire an evident superior… - Samuel Johnson

A man is very apt to complain of the ingratitude of those who have risen far above him. A man when he gets into a higher sphere, into other habits of life, cannot keep up all his former connections. Then, Sir, those who knew him formerly upon a level with themselves, may think that they ought still to be treated as on a level, which cannot be; and an acquaintance in a former situation may bring out things which it would be very disagreeable to have mentioned before higher company, though, perhaps, everybody knows of them.

The reciprocal civility of authors is one of the most risible scenes in the farce of life.

God Himself, sir, does not propose to judge a man until his life is over. Why should you and I?