"I don’t think necessity is the mother of invention. Invention, in my opinion, arises directly from idleness, possibly also from laziness—to save oneself trouble."

"The greatest joy in life is to be loved."

"I suppose it is because I have been so happy that I have not wanted to write about it."

"Human nature, dear, is very much the same everywhere. It is more difficult to observe it closely in a city, that is all."

"I have always been a happy person. I have always been a cheerful person. I have always been a contented person."