To how many blockheads of my time has a cold and taciturn demeanor procured the credit of prudence and capacity!

There is nothing so extreme that is not allowed by the custom of some nation or other.

When I play with my cat, who knows whether she is not amusing herself with me more than I with her.

We cannot do without it, and yet we disgrace and vilify the same. It may be compared to a cage, the birds without despair to get in, and those within despair to get out.

God defend me from myself.

My opinion is that we must lend ourselves to others and give ourselves only to ourselves. If my will happened to be prone to mortgage and attach itself, I would not last: I am too tender, both by nature and by practice.

Intemperance is the plaque of sensuality, and temperance is not its bane but its seasoning.