One of the pleasantest things in the world is going on a journey; I can enjoy society in a room; but out of doors, nature is company enough for me. I am then never less alone than when alone.

Lying is the strongest acknowledgement of the force of truth.

There is no one thoroughly despicable. We cannot descend much lower than an idiot; and an idiot has some advantages over a wise man.

The most rational cure after all for the inordinate fear of death is to set a just value on life.

The chain of habit coils itself around the heart like a serpent, to gnaw and stifle it.

Art is the microscope of the mind, which sharpens the wit as the other does the sight; and converts every object into a little universe in itself. Art may be said to draw aside the veil from nature. To those who are perfectly unskilled in the practice, unimbued with the principles of art, most objects present only a confused mass.

Man is a poetical animal, and delights in fiction.