I believe a person of any fine feeling scarcely ever sees a new face without a sensation akin to a shock, for the reason that it presents a new and surprising combination of unedifying elements.

Console yourself by remembering that the world doesn't deserve your affection.

To be alone is the fate of all great minds—a fate deplored at times, but still always chosen as the less grievous of two evils.

The business of the novelist is not to relate great events, but to make small ones interesting.

Whatever folly men commit, be their shortcomings or their vices what they may, let us exercise forbearance; remember that when these faults appear in others it is our follies and vices that we behold.

A word too much always defeats its purpose.

The doctor sees all the weakness of mankind; the lawyer all the wickedness, the theologian all the stupidity.