A little alarm now and then keeps life from stagnation.

I am ashamed of confessing that I have nothing to confess.

Far from having taken any positive step, I have not yet even fommed any resolution.

... there's nothing but quarreling with the women; it's my belief they like it better than victuals and drink.

There is something in age that ever, even in its own despite, must be venerable, must create respect and to have it ill treated, is to me worse, more cruel and wicked than anything on earth

This perpetual round of constrained civilities to persons quite indifferent to us, is the most provoking and tiresome thing in theworld, but it is unavoidable in a country town, where everybody is known.... 'Tis a most shocking and unworthy way of spending our precious irrecoverable time, to those who know not its value.

There si nothing upon the face of the earth so insipid as a medium. Give me love or hate! A friend that will go to jail for me, or an enemy that will run me through the body!