Religion converts despair, which destroys, into resignation, which submits.

Society seldom forgives those who have discovered the emptiness of its pleasures, and who can live independent of it and them.

Thoughts come maimed and plucked of plumage from the lips, which, from the pea, in the silence of your own leisure and study, would be born with far more beauty.

A man should never boast of his courage, nor a woman of her virtue, lest their doing so should be the cause of calling their possession of them into question.

Mediocrity is beneath a brave soul.

He who would remain honest ought to keep away want.

Men are capable of making great sacrifices, who are not willing to make the lesser ones, on which so much of the happiness of life depends. The great sacrifices are seldom called for, but the minor ones are in daily requisition; and the making them with cheerfulness and grace enhances their value.