Real joy comes not from ease or riches or from the praise of men, but from doing something worthwhile.

Real joy comes not from ease or riches or from the praise of men, but from doing something worthwhile.

And these are joys, like beauty, but skin deep.

And these are joys, like beauty, but skin deep.

I sometimes wonder whether all pleasures are not substitutes for joy.

I sometimes wonder whether all pleasures are not substitutes for joy.

Full from the fount of Joy's delicious springs
Some bitter o'er the flowers its bubbling venom springs.
read more

Full from the fount of Joy's delicious springs
Some bitter o'er the flowers its bubbling venom springs.
[Lat., Medio de fonte leporum
Surgit amari aliquid, quod in ipsis floribus angat.]

Nothing I've ever done has given me more joys and rewards than being a father to my children.

Nothing I've ever done has given me more joys and rewards than being a father to my children.

Joy is increased by spreading it to others

Joy is increased by spreading it to others

The joy late coming late departs.

The joy late coming late departs.

Shared joys make a friend, not shared sufferings.

Shared joys make a friend, not shared sufferings.

How fading are the joys we dote upon!
Like apparitions seen and gone;
But those which soonest read more

How fading are the joys we dote upon!
Like apparitions seen and gone;
But those which soonest take their flight
Are the most exquisite and strong;
Like angel's visits short and bright,
Mortality's too weak to bear them long.