There is a certain consideration, and a general duty of humanity, that binds us not only to the animals, which have life and feeling, but even to the trees and plants. We owe justice to people, and kindness and benevolence to all other creatures who may be susceptible of it. There is some intercourse between them and us, and some mutual obligation.

Petty vexations may at times be petty, but still they are vexations. The smallest and most inconsiderable annoyances are the most piercing. As small letters weary the eye most, so the smallest affairs disturb us most.

Oh these foolish men! They could not create so much as a worm, but they create gods by the dozens.

If I can, I shall keep my death from saying anything that my life has not already said.

Don't discuss yourself, for you are bound to lose; if you belittle yourself, you are believed; if you praise yourself, you are disbelieved.

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

My reason is not framed to bend or stoop: my knees are.