Adam Smith, 1723 - 1790

Every individual necessarily labors to render the annual revenue of the society as great as he can. He generally indeed neither intends to promote the public interest, nor knows how much he is promoting it. . . . He intends only his own gain, and he is in this, as in many other cases, led by an invisible hand to promote an end which was no part of his intention. . . . By pursuing his own interest he frequently promotes that of the society more effectually than when he really intends to promote it. I have never known much good done by those who affected to trade for the public good.

Adam Smith, Wealth of Nations [1776], vol. I, bk. IV, ch. 2

Samuel Adams, 1722 - 1803

What a glorious morning for America!

Samuel Adams, Upon hearing the gunfire at Lexington (Massachusetts) [April 19, 1775]
The phrase was adopted by the town of Lexington as a legend for the town seal.

Christian Furchtegott Gellert, 1715 - 1769

Live as you will have wished to have lived when you are dying.

Christian Furchtegott Gellert, Of Death, st. 2.

Samuel Johnson, 1709 - 1784

Tomorrow I purpose to regulate my room.

Samuel Johnson, Prayers and Meditations, 1764.
(Dr Johnson is the most quoted English writer after Shakespeare)