It is remarkable, that persons who speculate the most boldly often conform with the most perfect quietude to the external regulations of society. The thoughts alone suffice them, without investing itself in the flesh and blood of action.

There is evil in every human heart, which may remain latent, perhaps, through the whole of life; but circumstances may rouse it to activity.

A grave, wherever found, preaches a short and pithy sermon to the soul.

Our most intimate friend is not he to whom we show the worst, but the best of our nature.

There is something truer and more real, than what we can see with the eyes, and touch with the finger.

He whose genius appears deepest and truest excels his fellows in nothing save the knack of expression; he throws out occasionally a lucky hint at truths of which every human soul is profoundly though unutterably conscious.

Easy reading is damn hard writing.