In my experience, there are two things that no one will admit to: having no sense of humor and being susceptible to flattery.

I had a desire to see something besides my own shores, if only to be content to return to them someday. If I wish to live in my native land and love her, it should not be out of ignorance.

What is one person's diversion may be another's supreme test.

In my experience, there are two things that no one will admit to: having no sense of humor and being susceptible to flattery.

Boredom is that awful state of inaction when the very medicine - that is, activity - which could solve it, is seen as odious.

Yet we always envy others, comparing our shadows to their sunlit sides.

Boredom is that awful state of inaction when the very medicine ― that is, activity ― which could solve it, is seen as odious. Archery? It is too cold, and besides, the butts need re-covering; the rats have been at the straw. Music? To hear it is tedious; to compose it, too taxing. And so on. Of all the afflictions, boredom is ultimately the most unmanning. Eventually, it transforms you into a great nothing who does nothing ― a cousin to sloth and a brother to melancholy.