Wear a smile and have friends; wear a scowl and have wrinkles. What do we live for if not to make the world less difficult for each other?

More from George Eliot

• A cruel story runs on wheels, and every hand oils the wheels as they run.
• A difference of tastes in jokes is a great strain on the affections.
• A different taste in jokes is a great strain on the affections.
• An election is coming. Universal peace is declared, and the foxes have a sincere interest in prolonging the lives of the poultry.
• Blessed is the man who, having nothing to say, abstains from giving us wordy evidence of the fact.
• Certain winds will make men’s temper bad.