A man can do what he wants, but not want what he wants.

The liar at any rate recognizes that recreation, not instruction, is the aim of conversation, and is a far more civilized being than the blockhead who loudly expresses his disbelief in a story which is told simply for the amusement of the company.

Vulgarity is the conduct of other people, just as falsehoods are the truths of other people.

Doubt is the vestibule through which all must pass before they can enter into the temple of wisdom.

Perfect courage is to do without witnesses what one would be capable of doing with the world looking on.

War has always been the grand sagacity of every spirit which has grown too inward and too profound; its curative power lies even in the wounds one receives.

A heart well prepared for adversity in bad times hopes, and in good times fears for a change in fortune.

'Tis a rule of manners to avoid exaggeration.

Attention to health is life greatest hindrance.

What they do in heaven we are ignorant of; what they do not do we are told expressly.