There is no policy like politeness; and a good manner is the best thing in the world either to get a good name, or to supply the want of it.

Never get a reputation for a small perfection if you are trying for fame in a loftier area. The world can only judge by generals, and it sees that those who pay considerable attention to minutiae seldom have their minds occupied with great things.

Invention is nothing more than a fine deviation from, or enlargement on a fine model . . .

To the thinker, the most trifling external object often suggests ideas, which, like Homer's chain, extend, link after link, from earth to heaven.

A pipe is the fountain of contemplation, the source of pleasure, the companion of the wise; and the man who smokes, thinks like a philosopher and acts like a Samaritan.

In other countries poverty is a misfortune - with us it is a crime.

I did not fall into love - I rose into love.