Luxury ruins republics; poverty, monarchies.

Luxury ruins republics; poverty, monarchies.

Luxury and dissipation, soft and gentle as their approaches are,
and silently as they throw their silken chains about read more

Luxury and dissipation, soft and gentle as their approaches are,
and silently as they throw their silken chains about the heart,
enslave it more than the most active and turbulent vices.

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.

Possessions, outward success, publicity, luxury--to me these have always been contemptible. I believe that a simple and unassuming manner of read more

Possessions, outward success, publicity, luxury--to me these have always been contemptible. I believe that a simple and unassuming manner of life is best for every one, best for both the body and the mind.

On the soft bed of luxury most kingdoms have expired.

On the soft bed of luxury most kingdoms have expired.

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.

It is impossible to overdo luxury

It is impossible to overdo luxury

Poverty wants some things, Luxury many things, Avarice all things

Poverty wants some things, Luxury many things, Avarice all things

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."