I regard large inherited wealth as a misfortune, which merely serves to dull men's faculties. A man who possesses great wealth should, therefore, allow only a small portion to descend to his relatives. Even if he has children, I consider it a mistake to hand over to them considerable sums of money beyond what is necessary for their education. To do so merely encourages laziness and impedes the healthy development of the individual's capacity to make an independent position for himself.

For my part, I wish all guns with their belongings and everything could be sent to hell, which is the proper place for their exhibition and use.

Contentment is the only real wealth.

Worry is the stomach's worst poison.

For me writing biographies is impossible, unless they are brief and concise, and these are, I feel, the most eloquent.

Second to agriculture, humbug is the biggest industry of our age.

Lying is the greatest of all sins.