There are only three pleasures in life pure and lasting, and all derived from inanimate things-books, pictures and the face of nature.

Silence is one great art of conversation. He is not a fool who knows when to hold his tongue; and a person may gain credit for sense, eloquence, wit, who merely says nothing to lessen the opinion which others have of these qualities in themselves.

A great chessplayer is not a great man, for he leaves the world as he found it.

To be capable of steady friendship or lasting love, are the two greatest proofs, not only of goodness of heart, but of strength of mind.

The characteristic of Chaucer is intensity: of Spencer, remoteness: of Milton elevation and of Shakespeare everything.

There are no rules for friendship. It must be left to itself. We cannot force it any more than love.

Learning is its own exceeding great reward.