Oh, only those whose souls have felt this one idolatry can tell how precious is the slightest thing affection gives and hallows.

We are ourselves our happiness.

he who seeks pleasure with reference to himself, not others, will ever find that pleasure is only another name for discontent.

in came ... a baby, eloquent as infancy usually is, and like most youthful orators, more easily heard than understood.

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

Alas! we give our own coloring to the actions of others.

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.