You were wise not to waste years in a lawsuit ... he who commences a suit resembles him who plants a palm-tree which he will not live to see flourish.

A German writer observes: "The noblest characters only show themselves in their real light. All others act comedy with their fellow-men even unto the grave.

Reason dissipates the illusions of life, but does not console us for their departure.

Pleasure is like a cordial - a little of it is not injurious, but too much destroys.

... I never will allow myself to form an ideal of any person I desire to see, for disappointment never fails to ensue.

Love and enthusiasm are always ridiculous, when not reciprocated by their objects.

The infirmities of genius are often mistaken for its privileges.