The size of a man's understanding might always be justly measured by his mirth.

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.

Give women the right opportunities and they are capable of everything.

Prayer is making space available for God to do beautiful things with your life.

A good argument, like a good dialogue, is always a proof of life, but I'd much rather go and read a book.

Drop by drop is the water pot filled. Likewise, the wise man, gathering it little by little, fills himself with good.

Knowing the plumbing of the universe, intricate and awe-inspiring though that plumbing might be, is a far cry from discovering its purpose.

Drip, drip, the rain comes falling, Rain in the woods, rain on the sea; Even the little waves, beaten, come crawling As if to find shelter here with me.

Gracious dying is a huge, macabre and expensive joke on the American public.

When I was a little kid I thought I would grow up to be black and sing jazz in nightclubs.

A curious reversal in the locus of moral concern has taken place: people feel responsible for everything except for what they do.

To the untraveled, territory other than their own familiar heath is invariably fascinating. Next to love it is the one thing that solaces and delights.