It has always been a favorite idea of mine, that there is so much of the human in every man, that the life of any one individual, however obscure, if really and vividly perceived in all its aspirations, struggles, failures, and successes, would command the interest of all others.

The world has been busy for some centuries in shutting and locking every door through which a woman could step into wealth, except the door of marriage.

Human nature is above all things lazy.

a true gentleman ... was characterized as the man that asks the fewest questions. This trait of refined society might be adopted into home-like in a far greater degree than it is, and make it far more agreeable.

If you were not already my dearly loved husband I should certainly fall in love with you.

One part of the science of living is to learn just what our own responsibility is, and to let other people's alone.

I never thought my book would turn so many people against slavery.