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.

War destroys men, but luxury destroys mankind; at once corrupts the body and the mind.

War destroys men, but luxury destroys mankind; at once corrupts the body and the mind.

We live in an age when unnecessary things are our only necessities.

We live in an age when unnecessary things are our only necessities.

A vest as admired Voltiger had on,
Which from this Island's foes his grandsire won,
Whose artful read more

A vest as admired Voltiger had on,
Which from this Island's foes his grandsire won,
Whose artful colour pass'd the Tyrian dye,
Obliged to triumph in this legacy.

I love luxury. And luxury lies not in richness and ornateness but in the absence of vulgarity. Vulgarity is the read more

I love luxury. And luxury lies not in richness and ornateness but in the absence of vulgarity. Vulgarity is the ugliest word in our language. I stay in the game to fight it.

Costly thy habit as thy purse can buy,
But not expressed in fancy; rich, not gaudy,
For read more

Costly thy habit as thy purse can buy,
But not expressed in fancy; rich, not gaudy,
For the apparel oft proclaims the man,
And they in France of the best rank and station
Are of a most select and generous chief in that.

Dress drains our cellar dry,
And keeps our larder lean; puts out our fires
And introduces hunger, read more

Dress drains our cellar dry,
And keeps our larder lean; puts out our fires
And introduces hunger, frost, and woe,
Where peace and hospitality might reign.

Such dainties to them, their health it might hurt:
It's like sending them ruffles, when wanting a shirt.

Such dainties to them, their health it might hurt:
It's like sending them ruffles, when wanting a shirt.

Still to be neat, still to be drest,
As you were going to a feast,
Still to read more

Still to be neat, still to be drest,
As you were going to a feast,
Still to be powder'd, all perfum'd.
Lady, it is to be presumed,
Though art's hid causes are not found,
All is not sweet, all is not sound.