Luxury is the first, second and third cause of the ruin of republics. It is the vampire which soothes us read more

Luxury is the first, second and third cause of the ruin of republics. It is the vampire which soothes us into a fatal slumber while it sucks the lifeblood of our veins.

Luxury is an enticing pleasure, a bastard mirth, which hath honey
in her mouth, gall in her heart, and read more

Luxury is an enticing pleasure, a bastard mirth, which hath honey
in her mouth, gall in her heart, and a sting in her tail.

We live in an age when unnecessary things are our only necessities.

We live in an age when unnecessary things are our only necessities.

War destroys men, but luxury destroys mankind; at once corrupts the body and the mind.

War destroys men, but luxury destroys mankind; at once corrupts the body and the mind.

The greatest luxury of riches is, that they enable you to escape so much good advice.

The greatest luxury of riches is, that they enable you to escape so much good advice.

Sofas 'twas half a sin to sit upon,
So costly were they; carpets, every stitch
Of workmanship read more

Sofas 'twas half a sin to sit upon,
So costly were they; carpets, every stitch
Of workmanship so rare, they make you wish
You could glide o'er them like a golden fish.

Most of the luxuries and many of the so-called comforts of life are not only not indispensable, but positive hindrances read more

Most of the luxuries and many of the so-called comforts of life are not only not indispensable, but positive hindrances to the elevation of mankind.

One must be poor to know the luxury of giving.

One must be poor to know the luxury of giving.

Most of the luxuries, and many of the so-called comforts of life, are not only indispensable, but positive hindrances to read more

Most of the luxuries, and many of the so-called comforts of life, are not only indispensable, but positive hindrances to the elevation of mankind.