It is a sober truth that people who live only to amuse themselves work harder at the task than most people do in earning their daily bread.

Indeed, I have, alas! outlived almost every one of my contemporaries. One pays dear for living long.

Gentleness is the outgrowth of benignity.

One kernel is felt in a hogshead; one drop of water helps to swell the ocean; a spark of fire helps to give light to the world. None are too small, too feeble, too poor to be of service. Think of this and act.

The ubiquity of the Divine presence is the only true support, and I am sometimes astonished how persons, who evidently do not possess that grand source of consolation, keep up their spirits under trials and difficulties. It must be owing to careless tempers and nerves of brass.

There are only two bad things in this world, sin and bile.

Pleasure is by much the most laborious trade I know, especially for those who have not a vocation to it.