Nothing vigorous or great can come from a pen totally venal.

Necessity, nay, even avarice, perhaps, would have made me write rather rapidly than well.

If the desire of success had not led me into cabals, it might have made me endeavor to publish fewer true and useful works than those which might be pleasing to the multitude; and instead of a distinguished author, which I might possibly become, I should have been nothing more than a scribbler.
No: I have always felt that the profession of letters was illustrious in proportion as it was less a trade.

It is too difficult to think nobly when we think for a livelihood.

To be able to dare even to speak great truths, an author must be independent of success.