The body grows by food and work, the mind by use, and the soul through joy and pain.

it is bad manners to contradict a guest. You must never insult people in your own house - always go to theirs.

If we all tried to make other people's paths easy, our own feet would have a smooth even place to walk on.

Of all the things that make for happiness, the love of books comes first. No matter how the world may have used us, sure solace lies there.

Heart-aches are forgotten, tears lose their bitterness, and like a leaf of lavendar in a store of linen, so does Memory make life sweet.

A letter has distinct advantages. You can say all you want to say before the other person has a chance to put in a word.

[On marriage:] Someone once said that it was like a crowded church - those outside were endeavouring to get in, and those inside were making violent efforts to get out.