We are ourselves the stumbling-blocks in the way of our happiness. Place a common individual - by common, I mean with the common share of stupidity, custom, and discontent - place him in the garden of Eden, and he would not find it out unless he were told, and when told, he would not believe it.

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.

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

Farewell's a bitter word to say.

Imagination is to love what gas is to the balloon-that which raises it from earth.

Confidence is its own security.

who has not experienced, at some time or other, that words had all the relief of tears?