Mishaps are like knives, that either serve us or cut us, as we grasp them by the blade or by the handle.

Anxiety

The misfortunes hardest to bear are these which never came.

Character

Reputation is only a candle, of wavering and uncertain flame, and easily blown out, but it is the light by which the world looks for and finds merit.

Death and Dying

But life is sweet, though all that makes it sweet. Lessen like sound of friends departing feet; And death is beautiful as feet of friend. Coming with welcome at our journey's end.

Desire

To educate the intelligence is to expand the horizon of its wants and desires.

Fortune

Fortune is the rod of the weak, and the staff of the brave.

Grief

Sorrow is the great idealizer.

Idols

The idol is the measure of the worshipper.

Interest

I don't believe in principle, but I do in interest.

Light

Light is the symbol of truth.

Misfortunes

Let us be of good cheer, remembering that the misfortunes hardest to bear are those which never happen.

Poetry and Poets

The eye is the notebook of the poet.

Reverie

There is no self-delusion more fatal than that which makes the conscience dreamy with the anodyne of lofty sentiments, while the life is groveling and sensual.

Sentiment

Sentiment is intellectualized emotion; emotion precipitated, as it were, in pretty crystals by the fancy.

Truth

Truth, after all, wears a different face to everybody, and it would be too tedious to wait till all were agreed.

Words

Blessed are they who have nothing to say and who cannot be persuaded to say it.