The chief element of happiness is this: to want to be what you are.

Sacred scripture is of course the basic authority for everything; yet I sometimes run across ancient sayings or pagan writings - even the poets - so purely and reverently and admirably expressed that I can't help believing the author's hearts were moved by some divine power. And perhaps the spirit of Christ is more widespread than we understand, and the company of the saints includes many not on our calendar.

You'll see certain Pythagorean whose belief in communism of property goes to such lengths that they pick up anything lying about unguarded, and make off with it without a qualm of conscience as if it had come to them by law.

Now I believe I can hear the philosophers protesting that it can only be misery to live in folly, illusion, deception and ignorance, but it isn't -it's human.

Your library is your paradise.

What passes out of one's mouth passes into a hundred ears. It is a great misfortune not to have sense enough to speak well.

It is wisdom in prosperity, when all is as thou wouldn't have it, to fear and suspect the worst.