When one has no particular talent for anything, one takes to the pen.

Ambitious men spend their youth in rendering themselves worthy of patronage; it is their great mistake. While the foolish creatures are laying in stores of knowledge and energy, so that they shall not sink under the weight of responsible posts that recede from them, schemers come and go who are wealthy in words and destitute of ideas, astonish the ignorant, and creep into the confidence of those who have a little knowledge.

The secret of great fortunes without apparent cause is a crime forgotten, forgotten because it was properly done.

How sternly we reproach virtue for its failings, how indulgent we are to the better qualities of vice!

Man is no match for woman where mischief reigns.

But also remember: if you have any genuine feelings, hide them like treasure; never let anyone so much as suspect them, or you're lost. Instead of being the executioner, you'll be the victim. And if you ever fall in love, keep that absolutely secret! Never breathe a word until you're completely sure of the person to whom you open your heart. And to protect that love, even before you feel it, learn to despise the world.

A rent in your clothes is a mishap, a stain on them is a vice.