Being educated means to prefer the best not only to the worst but to the second best.

The principle of happiness should be like the principle of virtue: it should not be dependent of things, but be a part of personality [and character].

The happiest people in this world are those who have the most interesting thoughts.

Unlimited power is worse for the average person than unlimited alcohol; and the resulting intoxication is more damaging for others. Very few have not deteriorated when given absolute dominion. It is worse for the governor than for the governed.

Not doing more than the average is what keeps the average down.

Every time you acquire a new interest, even more, a new accomplishment, you increase your power of life.

A middle-aged cat will often play as unreservedly as a kitten, though he knows perfectly well it is only a game.