Life is short and tedious, and is wholly spent in wishing; we trust to find rest and enjoyment at some future time, often at an age when our best blessings, youth and health, have already left us. When at last I that time has arrived, it surprises us in the midst of fresh desires; we have got no farther when we are attacked by a fever which kills us; if we had been cured, it would only have been to give us more time for other desires.

It's motive alone which gives character to the actions of men.

Modesty is to merit, what shade is to figures in a picture; it gives it strength and makes it stand out.

To give awkwardly is churlishness. The most difficult part is to give, then why not add a smile?

It is a proof of boorishness to confer a favor with a bad grace; it is the act of giving that is hard and painful. How little does a smile cost?

It is motive alone that gives real value to the actions of men, and disinterestedness puts the cap to it.

The most exquisite pleasure is giving pleasure to others.