The relief that is afforded to mere want, as want, tends to increase that want.

It is not that pearls fetch a high price because men have dived for them; but on the contrary, men have dived for them because they fetch a high price.

It is also important to guard against mistaking for good-nature what is properly good-humor,--a cheerful flow of spirits and easy temper not readily annoyed, which is compatible with great selfishness.

It may be worth noticing as a curious circumstance, when persons past forty before they were at all acquainted form together a very close intimacy of friendship. For grafts of old wood to take, there must be a wonderful congeniality between the trees.

He only is exempt from failures who makes no efforts.

Woman is like the reed which bends to every breeze, but breaks not in the tempest.

Some men's reputation seems like seed-wheat, which thrives best when brought from a distance.