there are few things that are more endearing than the grace of listening with attention; indeed, it is more than endearing, it is impressive - for no one knows what wisdom lies concealed in silence!

... some of the things floating about in the Well of Memory are not worth recording.

... there must be reserves -- except with God. The human soul is solitary. But for confession that is different; justice and reparation sometimes demand it; but, again, justice and courage sometimes forbid it.

Twenty-five years ago, Christmas was not the burden that it is now; there was less haggling and weighing, less quid pro quo, less fatigue of body, less weariness of soul; and, most of all, there was less loading up with trash.

Habit does much to reconcile us to unpleasantness.

... perhaps there is no conceit so arrogant as the conceit which follows a conviction of emancipation.

In connection with death, or birth, or love, modesty is only a rather puerile self-consciousness.