If only the good were a little less heavy-footed

A man ought to work. That's what he's here for. That's how he contributes to the welfare of the community.

Some people read for instruction, which is praiseworthy, and some for pleasure, which is innocent, but not a few read from habit, and I suppose that this is neither innocent or praiseworthy. Of that lamentable company am I. Conversation after a time bores me, games tire me and my own thoughts, which we are told are the unfailing resource of a sensible man, have a tendency to run dry. Then I fly to my book as the opium-smoker to his pipe.

Love is only a dirty trick played on us to achieve continuation of the species.

A mother only does her children harm if she makes them the only concern of her life.

I do not think you want too much sincerity in society. It would be like an iron girder in a house of cards.

When married people don't get on they can separate, but if they're not married it's impossible. It's a tie that only death can sever.