The evil of the actual disparity in their ages (and Mr. Woodhouse had not married early) was much increased by his constitution and habits; for having been a valetudinarian all his life, without activity of mind or body, he was a much older man in ways than in years; and though everywhere beloved for the friendliness of his heart and his amiable temper, his talents could not have recommended him at any time.

What is right to be done cannot be done too soon.

I read it [history] a little as a duty, but it tells me nothing that does not either vex or weary me. The quarrels of popes and kings, with wars or pestilences, in every page; the men all so good for nothing, and hardly any women at all — it is very tiresome: and yet I often think it odd that it should be so dull, for a great deal of it must be invention.

... strange things may be generally accounted for if their cause be fairly seached out.

General benevolence, but not general friendship, made a man what he ought to be.

for he is such a disagreeable man, that it would be quite a misfortune to be liked by him.

A persuadable temper might sometimes be as much in favour of happiness as a very resolute character.