The mischief of children is seldom actuated by malice; that of grown-up people always is.
Poverty treads close upon the heels of great and unexpected wealth.
Oblivion is the rule and fame the exception, of humanity.
The most civilized people are as near to barbarism as the most polished steel is to rust. Nations, like metals, have only a superficial brilliancy.
Vices are often habits rather than passions.
The world is governed by love,--self-love.