It is indeed certain, that whoever attempts any common topick, will find unexpected coincidences of his thoughts with those of other writers; nor can the nicest judgment always distinguish accidental similitude from artful imitation. – Samuel Johnson, 1751

The reason why many people are so fond of using superlatives, is, they are so positive that the poor positive is not half positive enough for them. – Augustus William Hare and Julius Charles Hare, Guesses at Truth, by Two Brothers

Let’s hope the institution of marriage survives its detractors, for without it there would be no more adultery and without adultery two thirds of our novelists would stand in line for unemployment checks. – Peter S. Prescott