In the stress of modern life, how little room is left for that most comfortable vanity that whispers in our ears that failures are not faults! Now we are taught from infancy that we must rise or fall upon our own merits; that vigilance wins success, and incapacity means ruin

the most comfortable characteristic of the period [1775-1825], and the one which incites our deepest envy, is the universal willingness to accept a good purpose as a substitute for good work.

It takes time and trouble to persuade ourselves that the things we want to do are the things we ought to do.

The earliest voice listened to by the nations in their infancy was the voice of the storyteller.

Resistance, which is the function of conservatism, is essential to orderly advance.

Humor hardens the heart, at least to the point of sanity.

Guests are the delight of leisure, and the solace of ennui.