Selfishness, when it is punished by the world, is mostly punished because it is connected with egotism.

We are pleased with one who instantly assents to our opinions, but we love a proselyte.

It has always appeared to me, that there is so much to be done in this world, that all self-inflicted suffering which cannot be turned to good account for others, is a loss - a loss, if you may so express it, to the spiritual world.

If you would understand your own age, read the works of fiction produced in it. People in disguise speak freely.

Wise sayings often fall on barren ground, but a kind word is never thrown away.

Always win fools first. They talk much, and what they have once uttered they will stick to; whereas there is always time, up to the last moment, to bring before a wise man arguments that may entirely change his opinion.

The sense of danger is never, perhaps, so fully apprehended as when the danger has been overcome.