A profound knowledge of life is the least enviable of all species of knowledge, because it can only be acquired by trials that make us regret the loss of our ignorance.

Prejudices are the chains forged by ignorance to keep men apart.

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.

Wit is the lightning of the mind, reason the sunshine, and reflection the moonlight.

The chief prerequisite for a escort is to have a flexible conscience and an inflexible politeness.

To appear rich, we become poor.

Friends are the thermometer by which we may judge the temperature of our fortunes.