We owe to genius always the same debt, of lifting the curtain from the common, and showing us that divinities are sitting disguised in the seeming gang of gypsies and peddlars.

It is commonly observed that a sudden wealth, like a prize drawn in a lottery or a large bequest to a poor family, does not permanently enrich. They have served no apprenticeship to wealth, and with the rapid wealth come rapid claims which they do not know how to deny, and the treasure is quickly dissipated.

The finest poems of the world have been expedients to get bread.

Every day, a little sadder, a little madder. Will someone get me a ladder?

Trust men and they will be true to you; treat them greatly and they will show themselves great.

As gas-light is found to be the best nocturnal police, so the universe protects itself by pitiless publicity.

It is impossible for a man to be cheated by anyone but himself.