With consistency a great soul has simply nothing to do. He may as well concern himself with his shadow on the wall.

The religion of one age is the literary entertainment of the next.

Commerce is a game of skill which everyone cannot play and few can play well.

There is a mortifying experience in particular, which does not fail to wreak itself also in the general history; I mean "the foolish face of praise," the forced smile which we put on in company where we do not feel at ease, in answer to conversation which does not interest us. The muscles, not spontaneously moved but moved, by a low usurping wilfulness, grow tight about the outline of the face, with the most disagreeable sensation.

Being perfectly well-dressed gives a feeling of tranquillity that religion is powerless to bestow.

Women stand related to beautiful nature around us, and the enamoured youth mixes their form with moon and stars, with woods and waters, and the pomp of summer. They heal us of awkwardness by their words and looks. We observe their intellectual influence on the most serious student. They refine and clear his mind: teach him to put a pleasing method into what is dry and difficult.

Always do what you are afraid to do.