There is prodigious strength in sorrow and despair.

Change begets change. Nothing propagates so fast. If a man habituated to a narrow circle of cares and pleasures, out of which he seldom travels, step beyond it, though for never so brief a space, his departure from the monotonous scene on which he has been an actor of importance would seem to be the signal for instant confusion. The mine which Time has slowly dug beneath familiar objects is sprung in an instant; and what was rock before, becomes but sand and dust.

There are people enough to tread upon me in my lowly state, without my doing outrage to their feelings by possessing learning. Learning ain't for me. A person like myself had better not aspire. If he is to get on in life, he must get on 'umbly, Master Copperfield!

Time and tide will wait for no man, saith the adage. But all men have to wait for time and tide.

Think! I've got enough to do, and little enough to get for it, without thinking.

Subdue your appetites, my dears, and you've conquered human nature .

My hair stands on end at the cost and charges of these boys. Why was I ever a father! Why was my father ever a father!