If everybody floated with the tide of talk, placidity would soon end in stagnation. It is the strong backward stroke which stirs the ripples, and gives animation and variety.

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

the tea-hour is the hour of peace ... strife is lost in the hissing of the kettle - a tranquilizing sound, second only to the purring of a cat.

Woman is quick to revere genius, but in her secret soul she seldom loves it.

It was hard to speed the male child up the stony heights of erudition, but it was harder still to check the female child at the crucial point, and keep her tottering decorously behind her brother.

Humor brings insight and tolerance.

Everybody is now so busy teaching that nobody has any time to learn.