The pessimist is seldom an agitating individual. His creed breeds indifference to others, and he does not trouble himself to thrust his views upon the unconvinced.

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.

The carefully fostered theory that schoolwork can be made easy and enjoyable breaks down as soon as anything, however trivial, has to be learned.

It is difficult to admonish Frenchmen. Their habit of mind is unfavorable to preachment.

The earliest voice listened to by the nations in their infancy was the voice of the storyteller.

The friendships of nations, built on common interests, cannot survive the mutability of those interests.

Neatness of phrase is so closely akin to wit that it is often accepted as its substitute.