Alas! if the principles of contentment are not within us, the height of station and worldly grandeur will as soon add a cubit to a man's stature as to his happiness.

The more tickets you have in a lottery, the worse your chance. And it is the same of virtues, in the lottery of life.

Before an affliction is digested, consolation ever comes too soon; and after it is digested, it comes too late.

I am persuaded that every time a man smiles - but much more so when he laughs - it adds something to this fragment of life.

In solitude the mind gains strength, and learns to lean upon herself; in the world it seeks or accepts of a few treacherous supports--the feigned compassion of one, the flattery of a second, the civilities of a third, the friendship of a fourth--they all deceive, and bring the mind back to retirement, reflection, and books.

The best hearts are ever the bravest.

A large volume of adventures may be grasped within this little span of life, by him who interests his heart in everything.