There is no short-cut no patent tram-road, to wisdom. After all the centuries of invention, the soul's path lies through the thorny wilderness which must still be trodden in solitude, with bleeding feet, with sobs for help, as it was trodden by them of old time.

The wit of a family is usually best received among strangers.

There are many victories worse than a defeat.

"Heaven help us," said the old religion; the new one, from its very lack of that faith, will teach us all the more to help one another.

People who can't be witty exert themselves to be devout and affectionate.

If I could only fancy myself clever, it would be better, but to be a failure of Nature and to know it is not a comfortable lot. It is the last lesson one learns, to be contented with one's inferiority -- but it must be learned.

The tale of the Divine Pity was never yet believed from lips that were not felt to be moved by human pity.