One of the gladdest moments of human life, methinks, is the departure upon a distant journey into unknown lands. Shaking off with one mighty effort the fetters of habit, the leaden weight of routine, the cloak of many cares and the slavery of home, man feels once more happy.

I have to think hard to name an interesting man who does not drink.

A man that hoards up riches and enjoys them not, is like an ass that carries gold and eats thistles.

How strange are the tricks of memory, which, often hazy as a dream about the most important events of a man's life, religiously preserve the merest trifles.

Little islands are all large prisons: one cannot look at the sea without wishing for the wings of a swallow.

This diamond has so many carats it's almost a turnip.

I've done the most awful rubbish in order to have somewhere to go in the morning.