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

Affection exaggerates its own offenses.

Praise is sometimes a good thing for the diffident and the despondent. It teaches them properly to rely on the kindness of others.

Few save the poor feel for the poor.

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.

Childhood, whose very happiness is love.