Selfishness is the greatest curse of the human race.

The errors of former times are recorded for our instruction in order that we may avoid their repition.

Selfishness is the greatest curse of the human race.

Mediocrity is now, as formerly, dangerous, commonly fatal, to the poet; but among even the successful writers of prose, those who rise sensibly above it are the very rarest exceptions.

Books are delightful society. If you go into a room and find it full of books - even without taking them from the shelves they seem to speak to you, to bid you welcome.

Be happy with what you have and are, be generous with both, and you won't have to hunt for happiness.

We are bound to lose Ireland in consequence of years of cruelty, stupidity and misgovernment and I would rather lose her as a friend than as a foe.