If the world were good for nothing else, it is a fine subject for speculation.

We are the creatures of imagination, passion, and self-will, more than of reason or even of self-interest. Even in the common transactions and daily intercourse of life, we are governed by whim, caprice, prejudice, or accident. The falling of a teacup puts us out of temper for the day; and a quarrel that commenced about the pattern of a gown may end only with our lives.

I like a person who knows his own mind and sticks to it; who sees at once what is to be done in given circumstances and does it. He does not beat about the bush for difficulties or excuses, but goes the shortest and most effectual way to work to attain his own ends, or to accomplish a useful object.

Those who are fond of setting things to rights, have no great objection to seeing them wrong.

He is a hypocrite who professes what he does not believe; not he who does not practice all he wishes or approves.

Malice often takes the garb of truth.

Death puts an end to rivalship and competition. The dead can boast no advantage over us, nor can we triumph over them.