Conversation between Adam and Eve must have been difficult at times, because they had nobody to talk about.

If history in the making be a fluid thing, it swiftly crystallizes.

to be civilized is to be incapable of giving unnecessary offense, it is to have some quality of consideration for all who cross our path.

Now the pessimist proper is the most modest of men. ... under no circumstances does he presume to imagine that he, a mere unit of pain, can in any degree change or soften the remorseless words of fate.

We owe to one another all the wit and good humour we can command; and nothing so clears our mental vistas as sympathetic and intelligent conversation.

We may fail of our happiness, strive we ever so bravely; but we are less likely to fail if we measure with judgement our chances and our capabilities.

I do strive to think well of my fellow man, but no amount of striving can give me confidence in the wisdom of a congressional vote.