All great natures delight in stability; all great men find eternity affirmed in the very promise of their faculties.

For, though the origin of most of our words is forgotten, each word was at first a stroke of genius, and obtained currency, because for the moment it symbolized the world to the first speaker and to the hearer. The etymologist finds the deadest word to have been once a brilliant picture.

Coffee is good for talent, but genius wants prayer.

Nothing is beneath you if it is in the direction of your life.

There is health in table talk and nursery play. We must wear old shoes and have aunts and cousins.

Bonaparte knew but one merit, and rewarded in one and the same way the good soldier, the good astronomer, the good poet, the good player.

A man finds room in the few square inches of the face for the traits of all his ancestors; for the expression of all his history, and his wants.