It does not matter that Dickens' world is not life-like; it is alive.
To have too much forethought is the part of a wretch; to have too little is the part of a fool.
The primary object of a student of literature is to be delighted. His duty is to enjoy himself, his efforts should be directed to developing his faculty of appreciation.
It requires as much reflection and wisdom to know what is not to be put into a sermon, as what is.
A warm blundering man does more for the world than a frigid wise man.
Hypocrisy is folly. It is much easier, safer, and pleasanter to be the thing which a man aims to appear, than to keep up the appearance of being what he is not.
A contemplative life has more the appearance of a life of piety than any other; but it is the divine plan to bring faith into activity and exercise.
Power rests in tranquillity.
