Memory has many conveniences, and, among others, that of foreseeing things as they have afterwards happened.

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

habit is our idea of eternity.

No thoroughly occupied man was ever yet very miserable.

There is no existence so content as that whose present is engrossed by employment, and whose future is filled by some strong hope, the truth of which is never proved. Toil and illusion are the only secrets to make life tolerable.

English people ... never speak, excepting in cases of fire or murder, unless they are introduced.

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.