“He is happy whose circumstances suit his temper, but he is more excellent who can suit his temper to his circumstance.”

“It is in vain that a man of sound mind and cool temper understands the condition of such a wretched being... He can no more communicate his own wisdom to him than a healthy man can instil his strength into the invalid by whose bedside he is seated.”

“Yet if he upbraided her in his hurry, it was to repent bitterly his temper the next, and to feel its effects more than she, temper being a weapon that we hold by the blade.”

“A particular train of thought persisted in, be it good or bad, cannot fail to produce its results on the character and circumstances. A man cannot directly choose his circumstances, but he can choose his thoughts, and so indirectly, yet surely, shape his circumstances.”

“You’re far too prickly tempered to be a mistress. You’re far better suited as a wife.”

“He was born as you see him-happy with the world and his circumstances. Do we all not wish such a life?”