Much too oft we make life gloomy-- When happy we might be, If we gathered more of sunshine, And not dark shadows see.

True friendship is like sound health; the value of it is seldom known until it is lost.

Nothing more completely baffles one who is full of trick and duplicity himself, than straight forward and simple integrity in another.

The soundest argument will produce no more conviction in an empty head than the most superficial declamation; as a feather and a guinea fall with equal velocity in a vacuum.

The art of declamation has been sinking in value from the moment that speakers were foolish enough to publish, and hearers wise enough to read.

None are so fond of secrets as those who do not mean to keep them; such persons covet secrets as a spendthrift covets money, for the purpose of circulation.

Much may be done in those little shreds and patches of time which every day produces, and which most men throw away.

Let those who would affect singularity with success first determine to be very virtuous, and they will be sure to be very singular.

Atheism is a system which can communicate neither warmth nor illumination, except from those fagots which your mistaken zeal has lighted up for its destruction.

Deliberate with caution, but act with decision and yield with graciousness, or oppose with firmness.

The study of mathematics, like the Nile, begins in minuteness but ends in magnificence.

I always pass on good advice. It is the only thing to do with it. It is never of any use to oneself.

I only travel with one suitcase - Mulberry does an incredible one. I always check it the TSA restrictions are so tricky.

[Our] first and foremost duty [is] to seek the Lord until we open the path of communication from God to our own soul.

The fact that Gene Weingarten and I and Bathroom Inventory are now part of some kind of Matrix of Poop strongly suggests that the Pulitzer is not what it once was.

Being chosen doesn't come out of a state of fullness, it comes out of a state of emptiness.

On the Continent stray cats are judged individually on their merit-some are loved, some are only respected; in England they are universally worshipped as in ancient Egypt.

Fasting and prayer are common injunctions in my religion.

She behaves as if she was beautiful. Most American women do. It is the secret of their charm.

Trust me when you love something you don't need motivation.

No one likes crying, but tears water our souls.