Without death in the world, existence in it would soon become, through over-population, the most frightful of curses.

Youth is too tumultuous for felicity; old age too insecure for happiness. The period most favorable to enjoyment, in a vigorous, fortunate, and generous life, is that between forty and sixty.

There is probably no hell for authors in the next world - they suffer so much from critics and publishers in this.

There is great beauty in going through life without anxiety or fear. Half our fears are baseless, and the other half discreditable.

A mother's love is indeed the golden link that binds youth to age; and he is still but a child, however time may have furrowed his cheek, or silvered his brow, who can yet recall, with a softened heart, the fond devotion, or the gentle chidings, of the best friend that God gives us.

An eager pursuit of fortune is inconsistent with a severe devotion to truth. The heart must grow tranquil before the thought can become searching.

Galileo called doubt the father of invention; it is certainly the pioneer.