The thinkers of the world should by rights be guardians of the world's mirth.

People who cannot recognize a palpable absurdity are very much in the way of civilization.

Whatever 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.

Art... does not take kindly to facts, is helpless to grapple with theories, and is killed outright by a sermon.

To have given pleasure to one human being is a recollection that sweetens life.

History is not written in the interests of morality.

The comfortable thing about the study of history is that it inclines us to think hopefully of our own times.