A man’s real possession is his memory. In nothing else is he rich, in nothing else is he poor.

— Alexander Smith

Books are a finer world within the world. (1863)

— Alexander Smith

Christmas is the day that holds all time together.

— Alexander Smith

Death is the ugly fact which Nature has to hide, and she hides it well.

— Alexander Smith

Every man's road in life is marked by the graves of his personal likings.

— Alexander Smith

Everything is sweetened by risk.

— Alexander Smith

How deeply seated in the human heart is the liking for gardens and gardening.

— Alexander Smith

If a man is worth knowing at all he is worth knowing well.

— Alexander Smith

If you wish to preserve your secret wrap it up in frankness.

— Alexander Smith

I would rather be remembered by a song than by a victory.

— Alexander Smith