of all the follies that we can commit, the greatest is to hesitate.

I have a respect for family pride. If it be a prejudice, it is a prejudice in its most picturesque shape. But I hold it is connected with some of the noblest feelings in our nature.

Surprises are like misfortunes or herrings - they rarely come single.

ingratitude is the necessary consequence of receiving favors of which we are ashamed.

Consistency is a human word, but it certainly expresses nothing human.

habit is our idea of eternity.

The truth is, we like to talk over our disasters, because they are ours; and others like to listen, because they are not theirs.