No man pursues what he has at hand. No man recognizes the need of pursuit until that which he desires has escaped him.

Where there is no temptation, there is no virtue.

The choice of a topic which will bear analysis and support enthusiasm, is essential to the enjoyment of conversation.

Next to the joy of the egotist is the joy of the detractor.

There are many ways of asking a favor; but to assume that you are granting the favor that you ask shows spirit and invention.

A dead grief is easier to bear than a live trouble.

There is a secret and wholesome conviction in the heart of every man or woman who has written a book that it should be no easy matter for an intelligent reader to lay down that book unfinished. There is a pardonable impression among reviewers that half an hour in its company is sufficient.