The passions are the seeds of vices as well as of virtues, from which either may spring, accordingly as they are nurtured. Unhappy they who have never been taught the art to govern them!

When her mind was discomposed... a book was the opiate that lulled it to repose.

There is some comfort in dying surrounded by one's children.

What has a man's face to do with his character? Can a man of good character help having a disagreeable face?

A well-informed mind is the best security against the contagion of folly and of vice. The vacant mind is ever on the watch for relief, and ready to plunge into error, to escape from the languor of idleness.

Happiness arises in a state of peace, not of tumult.