I should as soon think of contradicting a bishop

What we agree with leaves us inactive, but contradiction makes us productive.

I think it's an unfair assessment to say we're contradicting ourselves. We're not the ones making the ads.

Leisure and curiosity might soon make great advances in useful knowledge, were they not diverted by minute emulation and laborious trifles.

He was dull in a new way, and that made many think him great

If a man does not make new acquaintances as he advances through life, he will soon find himself left alone. A man, sir, should keep his friendship in a constant repair.