She thought it was part of the hardship of her life that there was laid upon her the burthen of larger wants than others seemed to feel – that she had to endure this wide hopeless yearning for that something, whatever it was, that was greatest and best on this earth.

I am feeling easy now, and you will well understand that after undergoing pain this ease is opening paradise. Invalids must be excused for being eloquent about themselves.

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

Human experience is usually paradoxical.

Don't judge a book by its cover

One way of getting an idea of our fellow-countrymen's miseries is to go and look at their pleasures.

... happy husbands and wives can hear each other say the same thing over and over again without being tired.