An absence of antecedents and of relatives is sometimes an aid rather than an impediment to social advancement . . .

Do you know anything on earth which has not a dangerous side if it is mishandled and exaggerated?

It is all in the way of professional experience.

If the fresh facts come to our knowledge all fit themselves into the scheme, then our hypothesis may gradually become a solution. Sherlock Holmes speaking with Dr. Watson.

Sir Walter, with his 61 years of life, although he never wrote a novel until he was over 40, had, fortunately for the world, a longer working career than most of his brethren.

I consider that a man's brain originally is like a little empty attic, and you have to stock it with such furniture as you choose. [...] It is a mistake to think that that little room has elastic walls and can distend to any extent. [...] It is of the highest importance, therefore, not to have useless facts elbowing out the useful ones.

If you want to write good copy, you must be where the things are.