He who undervalues himself is justly undervalued by others.

We often choose a friend as we do a mistress - for no particular excellence in themselves, but merely from some circumstance that flatters our self-love.

Abuse is an indirect species of homage.

Poverty, when it is voluntary, is never despicable, but takes an heroical aspect.

As we advance in life, we acquire a keener sense of the value of time. Nothing else, indeed, seems of any consequence; and we become misers in this respect.

I am then never less alone than when alone

General principles are not the less true or important because from their nature they elude immediate observation; they are like the air, which is not the less necessary because we neither see nor feel it.