People wish to be settled; only as far as they are unsettled is there any hope for them.

A man is the prisoner of his power. A topical memory makes him an almanac; a talent for debate, disputant; skill to get money makes him a miser, that is, a beggar. Culture reduces these inflammations by invoking the aid of other powers against the dominant talent, and by appealing to the rank of powers. It watches success.

True friends are two people who are comfortable sharing silence together.

That which we persist in doing becomes easier to do, not that the nature of the thing has changed but that our power to do has increased.

A home kept to the end of display is impossible to all but a few women, and their success is dearly bought.

As long as civilization is essentially one of property, of fences, of exclusiveness, it will be mocked by delusions. Our riches will leave us sick; there will be bitterness in our laughter, and our wine will burn our mouth. Only that good profits which we can taste with all doors open, and which serves all men.

A man's library is a sort of harem.