Quotes from Sophie Swetchine

Those who make us happy are always thankful to us for being so; their gratitude is the reward of their benefits.

As we advance in life the circle of our pains enlarges, while that of our pleasures contracts.

In youth, grief comes with a rush and overflow, but it dries up, too, like the torrent. In the winter of life it remains a miserable pool, resisting all evaporation.

There are not good things enough in life to indemnify us for the neglect of a single duty.

There is nothing at all in life, except what we put there.

There is nothing steadfast in life but our memories. We are sure of keeping intact only that which we have lost.

Let our lives be pure as snowfields, where our steps leave a mark but no stain.

It would seem that by our sorrows only are we called to a knowledge of the Infinite. Are we happy? The limits of life constrain us on all sides.

America has begun her career at the culminating point of life, as Adam did at the age of thirty.

Old age is the night of life, as night is the old age of the day. Still, night is full of magnificence; and, for many, it is more brilliant than the day.

When fresh sorrows have caused us to take some steps in the right way, we may not complain. We have invested in a life annuity, but the income remains.

All the joys of earth will not assuage our thirst for happiness; while a single grief suffices to shroud life in a sombre veil, and smite it with nothingness at all points.

Life grows darker as we go on, till only one pure light is left shining on it; and that is faith. Old age, like solitude and sorrow, has its revelations.

There are two ways of attaining an important end, force and perseverance; the silent power of the latter grows irresistible with time.

Might we not say to the confused voices which sometimes arise from the depths of our being: "Ladies, be so kind as to speak only four at a time?"

In retirement, the passage of time seems accelerated. Nothing warns us of its flight. It is a wave which never murmurs, because there is no obstacle to its flow.

Time is the shower of Danae; each drop is golden.

We reform others unconsciously when we walk uprightly.

Repentance is accepted remorse.

Happiness and Virtue clasp hands and walk together.

Travel is the frivolous part of serious lives, and the serious part of frivolous ones.

Strength alone knows conflict, weakness is born vanquished.

The ideal friendship is to feel as one while remaining two.

One must be a somebody before they can have a enemy. One must be a force before he can be resisted by another force.