We are bound to our bodies like an oyster is to its shell.

We are bound to our bodies like an oyster is to its shell.

It is the common wonder of all men, how among so many millions of faces, there should be none alike.

It is the common wonder of all men, how among so many millions of faces, there should be none alike.

What is this life if, full of care, we have no time to stand and stare?

What is this life if, full of care, we have no time to stand and stare?

Mental pleasure are never cloy; unlike those of the body, they are increased by repetition, approved by reflection, and strengthened read more

Mental pleasure are never cloy; unlike those of the body, they are increased by repetition, approved by reflection, and strengthened by enjoyment.

I don't think that the flesh is necessarily treacherous, evil, bad. It is cantankerous, and it is independent. The idea read more

I don't think that the flesh is necessarily treacherous, evil, bad. It is cantankerous, and it is independent. The idea of independence is the key. It really is like colonialism. The colonies suddenly decide that they can and should exist with their own personality and should detach from the control of the mother country. At first the colony is perceived as being treacherous. It's a betrayal. Ultimately, it can be seen as the separation of a partner that could be very valuable as an equal rather than as something you dominate.

I'm never less at leisure than when at leisure, or less alone than when alone.

I'm never less at leisure than when at leisure, or less alone than when alone.

The pain of the mind is worse than the pain of the body

The pain of the mind is worse than the pain of the body

A human being is an ingenious assembly of portable plumbing.

A human being is an ingenious assembly of portable plumbing.

The body is a community made up of its innumerable cells or inhabitants.

The body is a community made up of its innumerable cells or inhabitants.