Some tears belong to us because we are unfortunate; others, because we are humane; many, because we are mortal. But most are caused by our being unwise. It is these last only that of necessity produce more.

"Books ... books, ..." he exclaims. It is those that teach us to refine on our pleasures when young, and which, having so taught us, enable us to recall them with satisfaction when old.

The same people who can deny others everything are famous for refusing themselves nothing.

Great women belong to history and to self-sacrifice, not to the annals of a stage, however dignified.

Occupation is the necessary basis of all enjoyment.

God made both tears and laughter, and both for kind purposes; for as laughter enables mirth and surprise to breathe freely, so tears enable sorrow to vent itself patiently. Tears hinder sorrow from becoming despair and madness.

Did you ever observe that immoderate laughter always ends in a sigh?