Much of the wisdom of the world is not wisdom, and the most illuminated class of men are no doubt superior to literary fame, and are not writers.

Conversation in society is found to be on a platform so low as to exclude science, the saint, and the poet.

There are geniuses in trade as well as in war, or the state, or letters; and the reason why this or that man is fortunate is not to be told. It lies in the man: that is all anybody can tell you about it.

Sport is the bloom and glow of a perfect health. The great will not condescend to take anything seriously; all must be as gay as the song of a canary, though it were the building of cities, or the eradication of old and foolish churches and nations, which have cumbered the earth long thousands of years.

Be lord of a day, through wisdom and justice, and you can put up your history books.

I am ashamed to see what a shallow village tale our so-called history is.

Every man's nature is a sufficient advertisement to him of the character of his fellows.