Luxury ruins republics; poverty, monarchies.

Luxury ruins republics; poverty, monarchies.

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.

To treat a poor wretch with a bottle of Burgundy, and fill his
snuff-box, is like giving a pair read more

To treat a poor wretch with a bottle of Burgundy, and fill his
snuff-box, is like giving a pair of laced ruffles to a man that
has never a shirt on his back.

Every luxury must be paid for, and everything is a luxury, starting with being in the world.

Every luxury must be paid for, and everything is a luxury, starting with being in the world.

Then there is that glorious Epicurean paradox, uttered by my
friend, the Historian in one of his flashing moments: read more

Then there is that glorious Epicurean paradox, uttered by my
friend, the Historian in one of his flashing moments: "Give us
the luxuries of life, and we will dispense with its necessaries."

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.

Blesses his stars, and thinks it luxury.

Blesses his stars, and thinks it luxury.

O Luxury! thou curst by Heaven's decree.

O Luxury! thou curst by Heaven's decree.

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.