Our wishes never seem so little desirable as when on the verge of accomplishment; we draw back instinctively, they look so different from what we expected.

One's conscience reproaches one much more stingingly for one's follies than one's crimes.

Did you ever see a giraffe? It is like something from between the regions of truth and fiction.

society ... is tolerant of crimes, and long suffering with dullness, but it shows no mercy to those who are different from other people.

But have you never noticed that when one has been trying to do something really good one is much nearer committing some special sin than when one keeps on in the selfish, matter-of-fact prudence of minding one's own business, and that alone?

Love ... is a sacred fire that must not be burnt to idols.

Whilst you live a very little religion seems enough; but believe me, it requires a great deal when you come to die.