She believed in letting children have a certain amount of rope, and only intervened at the last moment, in order to prevent their hanging themselves by it.
Anger is like mild, it should not be kept too long.
A desire that has never been fulfilled is considerably less acute than one that has been fulfilled and then checked at the source.
Curiosity is the only thing that really carries through time, isn’t it? The creative curiosity, I mean, which fights its way into expression?
The two best subjects for conversation are talking shop and making love.
Personally, I think it’s a good way to let a child start right in with the laws of Nature before he’s old enough to be surprised at them.
What are so mysterious as the eyes of a child?
People who talk of new lives believe there will be no new troubles.
Jane had that happy disposition which would like to imagine that every one really wishes the well-being of his neighbour and struggles, though sometimes rather disastrously, to help him towards it.
Truth is its own defense.
Some of us cling to our curses if we haven’t anything better to cling to!
Curses are children of hate; they belong to the wrong family! Prayers are better than curses!
When we refuse to accept our limitations, Nature, who is a stern realist, pays us out.
Truth is no man’s slave – but lies – what magnificent servants they make...
Nobody can afford to appear more pleasant than they really are!
I am never at picnics. The ground was not meant to be sat upon in its raw state, I feel sure, and I prefer my food without either caterpillars or drafts!
Time indeed has very little to do with living except at its beginning or near its end.
All persecution is a sign of fear; for if we did not fear the power of an opinion different from our own, we should not mind others holding it.
Poets, when they write of love, give themselves and everyone else away!
A refugee is as helpless as a new born child – but not so appealing! Besides, a new born child has no memories!
If one has one cow, it is always better not to be too familiar with those who have seven.