No man knows till he has suffered from the night how sweet and dear to his heart and eye the morning can be; the very light seems to wash the brain clean, as if thought itself had been stained by the dark.

The fallen angel becomes the malignant devil. Yet even the enemy of God and man had friends and associates in his desolation; I am alone.

For she had nowhere to turn! Do you understand, sir, do you understand what it means when you have absolutely nowhere to turn? … And for a whole year, I performed my duties conscientiously and faithfully, and did not touch this … for I have feelings.

I’m now quite cured of seeking pleasure in society—be it country or town. A sensible man ought to find sufficient company in himself.

Proud people breed sad sorrows for themselves.

There are few people whom I really love, and still fewer of whom I think well. The more I see of the world, the more am I dissatisfied with it; and every day confirms my belief of the inconsistency of all human characters, and of the little dependence that can be placed on the appearance of merit or sense.