As with our colleges, so with a hundred "modern improvements"; there is an illusion about them; there is not always a positive advance. The devil goes on exacting a compound interest to the last for his early share and numerous succeeding investments in them.

There are old heads in the world who cannot help me by their example or advice to live worthily and satisfactorily to myself; but I believe that it is in my power to elevate myself this very hour above the common level of my life.

The price of anything is the amount of life you exchange for it.

I have found it a singular luxury to talk across the pond to a companion on the opposite side.

For if we take the ages into our account, may there not be a civilization going on among brutes as well as men?

It is said that some Western steamers can run on a heavy dew, whence we can imagine what a canoe may do.

I may add that I am enjoying existence as much as ever, and regret nothing.