A friend, therefore, is a sort of paradox in nature. I who alone am, I who see nothing in nature whose existence I can affirm with equal evidence to my own, behold now the semblance of my being, in all its height, variety, and curiosity, reiterated in a foreign form; so that a friend may well be reckoned the masterpiece of nature.

A cheerful intelligent face is the end of culture, and success enough. For it indicates the purpose of Nature and wisdom attained.

There are always difficulties arising that tempt you to believe your critics are right.

A day is a miniature eternity.

The best of life is conversation.

Shallow men believe in luck.

Foolish consistencies are the hobgoblins of small minds!