Perhaps man is the only being that can properly be called idle.

Cucumber should be well sliced, dressed with pepper and vinegar, and then thrown out.

The true measure of a man is how he treats someone who can do him absolutely no good.

Curiosity is one of the most permanent and certain characteristics of a vigorous intellect.

Kindness is in our power, even when fondness is not.

When a man knows he is to be hanged in a fortnight, it concentrates his mind wonderfully.

Classical quotation is the parole of literary men all over the world.

A man who uses a great many words to express his meaning is like a bad marksman who, instead of aiming a single stone at an object, takes up a handful and throws at it in hopes he may hit.

There are minds so impatient of inferiority that their gratitude is a species of revenge, and they return benefits, not because recompense is a pleasure, but because obligation is a pain.

When a man is tired of London, he is tired of life; for there is in London all that life can afford.

He who has so little knowledge of human nature as to seek happiness by changing anything but his own disposition will waste his life in fruitless efforts.

And, for an instant, she stared directly into those soft blue eyes and knew, with an instinctive mammalian certainty, that the exceedingly rich were no longer even remotely human.

Having been part of this wonderful show ever since series one, I know all too well what it's like to perform to the nation on the famous 'Strictly Come Dancing' dancefloor.

We will respond to the threat of climate change, knowing that the failure to do so would betray our children and future generations

Persistence is the measurement of your belief in yourself.

Since the early bird catches the worm, it's a good idea to begin your day as soon as you can -- unless, of course, you happen to be a worm.

In my mind these two instruments speak to me in different ways, and the solo stuff seems to be easier to do on the soprano.

That's a big love letter," she says, squinting. I know what I'm going to say and for a moment I wish there was a film crew documenting my day-to-day life: "I've got a big heart," I say.

Literature has done great work for feminism - writing and reading are a practice of empathy - and great literature will continue to do so.

The adrenaline of performing on stage to a crowd - there's nothing like it.

Love makes everything that is heavy light.