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

words alike make the destiny of empires and of individuals. Ambition, love, hate, interest, vanity, have words for their engines, and need none more powerful. Language is a fifth element - the one by which all the others are swayed.

I hate the word 'ought' - it always implies something dull, cold, and commonplace. The 'ought nots' of life are its pleasantest things.

to the many, witticisms not only require to be explained, like riddles, but are also like new shoes, which people require to wear many times before they get accustomed to them.

Experience teaches, it is true; but she never teaches in time.

Occupation is one great source of enjoyment. No man, properly occupied, was ever miserable.

Ah, tell me not that memory sheds gladness o'er the past, what is recalled by faded flowers, save that they did not last?