London, UK…Charles John Huffam Dickens, 7 February 1812 – 9 June 1870. He created some of the world’s best-known fictional characters and is regarded by many as the greatest novelist of the Victorian era.

“The whole difference between construction and creation is exactly this: that a thing constructed can only be loved after it is constructed; but a thing created is loved before it exists.”

“I never could have done what I have done without the habits of punctuality, order, and diligence, without the determination to concentrate myself on one subject at a time.”

“Electric communication will never be a substitute for the face of someone who with their soul encourages another person to be brave and true.”

“Reflect upon your present blessings of which every man has many – not on your past misfortunes, of which all men have some.”

“It opens the lungs, washes the countenance, exercises the eyes, and softens down the temper; so cry away.”

“Subdue your appetites, my dears, and you’ve conquered human nature.”

“Vices are sometimes only virtues carried to excess!”