Consequences are unpitying. Our deeds carry their terrible consequences, quite apart from any fluctuations that went before—consequences that are hardly ever confined to ourselves. And it is best to fix our minds on that certainty, instead of considering what may be the elements of excuse for us.

A man vows, and yet will not east away the means of breaking his vow. Is it that he distinctly means to break it? Not at all; but the desires which tend to break it are at work in him dimly, and make their way into his imagination, and relax his muscles in the very moments when he is telling himself over again the reasons for his vow.

To manage men one ought to have a sharp mind in a velvet sheath.

There is no general doctrine which is not capable of eating out our morality if unchecked by the deep-seated habit of direct fellow-feeling with individual fellow-men.

Our deeds determine us, as much as we determine our deeds.

Life is measured by the rapidity of change, the succession of influences that modify the being.

A bachelor's children are always young: they're immortal children - always lisping, waddling, helpless, and with a chance of turning out good.