The malignity that never forgets or forgives is found only in base and ignoble natures, whose aims are selfish, and whose means are indirect, cowardly, and treacherous.

The ruin of most men dates from some idle moment.

A sluggish, dawdling, and dilatory man may have spasms of activity, but he never acts continuously and consecutively with energetic quickness.

A vacant mind invites dangerous inmates, as a deserted mansion tempts wandering outcasts to enter and take up their abode in its desolate apartments.

Misfortunes have their dignity and their redeeming power.

Many persons feel art, some understand it; but few both feel and understand it.

A statesman makes the occasion, but the occasion makes the politician.