... it is one thing to like defiance, and another thing to like its consequences.

I think what we call the dullness of things is a disease in ourselves. Else how could anyone find an intense interest in life? And many do.

There is no hour that has not its births of gladness and despair, no morning brightness that does not bring new sickness to desolation as well as new forces to genius and love. There are so many of us, and our lots are so different, what wonder that Nature's mood is often in harsh contrast with the great crisis of our lives?

It is always your heaviest bore who is astonished at the tameness of modern celebrities: naturally; for a little of his company has reduced them to a state of flaccid fatigue.

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

Joy is the best of wine.

But what we strive to gratify, though we may call it a distant hope, is an immediate desire; the future estate for which men drudge up city alleys exists already in their imagination and love.