There are people who balk at small civilities on account of their manifest insincerity. ... It is better and more logical to accept all the polite phraseology which facilitates intercourse, and contributes to the sweetness of life. If we discarded the formal falsehoods which are the currency of conversation, we should not be one step nearer the vital things of truth.
Agnes RepplierTo be brave in misfortune is to be worthy of manhood; to be wise in misfortune is to conquer fate.
Agnes RepplierNo rural community, no suburban community, can ever possess the distinctive qualities that city dwellers have for centuries given to the world.
Agnes RepplierJust as we are often moved to merriment for no other reason than that the occasion calls for seriousness, so we are correspondingly serious when invited too freely to be amused.
Agnes RepplierWhatever has "wit enough to keep it sweet" defies corruption and outlasts all time; but the wit must be of that outward and visible order which needs no introduction or demonstration at our hands.
Agnes Repplier