I have learned that particularly clever ideas do not always stand up under close scrutiny.

I would not be at all surprised to find that it was for gold that Cain committed the first murder. (It happened a very long time ago, and Holy Writ, though no doubt divinely inspired, is a trifle careless about details. God is not a historian).

The only people who are not in awe of Emerson's powerful voice and well-nigh superhuman strength are the members of his own family. He is aware of this, and often complains about it; so from time to time I like to put on a little show of being intimidated. 'Proceed, my dear,' I said apologetically.

If you take a man by surprise, and behave with sufficient arrogance, he will generally do what you ask. -Emerson

I do not scruple to employ mendacity and a fictitious appearance of female incompetence when the occasion demands it.

His masculinity was only too apparent

I do, however, think it would be difficult to write books I don't like to read.