It has been said that idleness is the parent of mischief, which is very true but mischief itself is merely an attempt to escape from the dreary vacuum of idleness.

I have always been a friend to hero-worship it is the only rational one, and has always been in use amongst civilized people - the worship of spirits is synonymous with barbarism - it is mere fetish. ... There is something philosophic in the worship of the heroes of the human race.

There are no countries in the world less known by the British than those selfsame British Islands.

There's night and day, brother, both sweet things sun, moon, and stars, brother, all sweet things there's likewise a wind on the heath. Life is very sweet, brother who would wish to die?

We must walk before we run.

Youth will be served, every dog has his day, and mine has been a fine one.

Two great talkers will not travel far together.

The Germans are the most philosophic people in the world, and the greatest smokers: now I trace their philosophy to their smoking. Smoking has a sedative effect upon the nerves, and enables a man to bear the sorrows of this life (of which every one has his share) not only decently, but dignifiedly.

A losing trade, I assure you, sir: literature is a drug.

Good ale, the true and proper drink of Englishmen. He is not deserving of the name of Englishman who speaketh against ale, that is good ale.