A preface is a species of literary luxury, where an author, like a lover, is privileged to be egotistical.

I do love violets; they tell the history of woman's love.

there is nothing so easy as to be wise for others; a species of prodigality, by-the-by - for such wisdom is wholly wasted.

it is a curious fact, but one which all experience owns, that people do not desire so much to appear better, as to appear different from what they really are.

Nothing more strongly marks the insufficiency of luxuries than the ease with which people grow accustomed to them; they are rather known by their want than by their presence. The word 'blasé' has been coined expressly for the use of the upper classes.

It is amazing how much a thought expands and refines by being put into speech: I should think it could hardly know itself.

Whatever people in general do not understand, they are al ways prepared to dislike; the incomprehensible is always the obnoxious.