To think of the part one little woman can play in the life of a man, so that to renounce her may be a very good imitation of heroism, and to win her may be a discipline.

That's what a man wants in a wife, mostly; he wants to make sure one fool tells him he's wise.

Society never made the preposterous demand that a man should think as much about his own qualifications for making a charming girl happy as he thinks of hers for making himself happy.

Ingenious philosophers tell you, perhaps, that the great work of the steam-engine is to create leisure for mankind. Do not believe them; it only creates a vacuum for eager thought to rush in.

Poetry and art and knowledge are sacred and pure.

Those old stories of visions and dreams guiding men have their truth; we are saved by making the future present to ourselves.

To an old memory like mine the present days are but as a little water poured on the deep.