To read, write, and converse in due proportions, is, therefore, the business of a man of letters.

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.

By choosing our path, we choose our destination.

Without forgiveness life is governed by... an endless cycle of resentment and retaliation.

Now I see -- we are always most revolted by the things hidden within us.

The paradoxical and tragic situation of man is that his conscience is weakest when he needs it most.

Showing up every day isn't enough. There are a lot of guys who show up every day who shouldn't have showed up at all.

... real pity should stretch out to people whom we do not like -- to those whom we have injured or who despitefully use us.

If you're miserable, make a choice. If you're still miserable, you can choose again.

The moral case for individual initiative in a free economy holds that people have a God-given right to use their creativity to produce things that improve our lives.

I gave my genius to my life, but my talent to my art.

I'm here today because I hated everything else.