Nearly all men are slaves for the same reason that the Spartans assigned for the servitude of the Persians -- lack of power to pronounce the syllable, "No." To be able to utter that word and live alone, are the only means to preserve one's freedom and one's character.

The most wasted day of all is that on which we have not laughed.

Too elevated qualities often unfit a man for society. We do not go to market with ingots, but with silver and small change.

Many men and women enjoy popular esteem, not because they are known, but because they are not known.

Sometimes apparent resemblance of character will bring two men together and for a certain time unite them. But their mistake gradually becomes evident, and they are astonished to find themselves not only far apart, but even repelled, in some sort, at all their points of contact.

We leave unmolested those who set the fire to the house, and prosecute those who sound the alarm.

In a country where everyone strives for attention, it is better to be bankrupt than to be nothing.