The egoism which enters into our theories does not affect their sincerity; rather, the more our egoism is satisfied, the more robust is our belief.

autobiography at least saves a man or woman that the world is curious about from the publication of a string of mistakes called 'Memoirs.

I shall be so glad if you will tell me what to read. I have been looking into all the books in the library at Offendene, but there is nothing readable. The leaves all stick together and smell musty. I wish I could write books to amuse myself, as you can! How delightful it must be to write books after one's own taste instead of reading other people's! Home-made books must be so nice.

It is always good to know, if only in passing, charming human beings. It refreshes one like flowers and woods and clear brooks.

The bow always strung ... will not do.

... learning to love any one is like an increase of property, -- it increases care, and brings many new fears lest precious things should come to harm.

One couldn't carry on life comfortably without a little blindness to the fact that everything has been said better than we can put it ourselves.