The vanity of man revolts from the serene indifference of the cat.

If we could make up our minds to spare our friends all details of ill health, of money losses, of domestic annoyances, of altercations, of committee work, of grievances, provocations, and anxieties, we should sin less against the world's good-humor. It may not be given us to add to the treasury of mirth; but there is considerable merit in not robbing it.

Necessity knows no Sunday.

Now the pessimist proper is the most modest of men. ... under no circumstances does he presume to imagine that he, a mere unit of pain, can in any degree change or soften the remorseless words of fate.

Laughter springs from the lawless part of our nature.

The delusions of the past seem fond and foolish. The delusions of the present seem subtle and sane.

To have given pleasure to one human being is a recollection that sweetens life.