Time is made up of various ages; and each thinks its own a novelty.

At my years, and with my disposition, or rather, constitution, one gets to care less and less for everything except downright goodfeeling. Life is so short, and so ridiculous and irrational (from a certain point of view) that one knows not what to make of it, unless--well, finish the sentence for yourself.

In a multitude of acquaintances is less security, than in one faithful friend.

Whatever my fate, I'll go to it laughing.

for there is no folly of the beast of the earth which is not infinitely outdone by the madness of men

There's something ever egotistical in mountain-tops and towers, and all other grand and lofty things.

Think of it. To go down to posterity as a 'man who lived among the cannibals.'