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.

People who relate what they believe to be new and startling information like to have such information received with exclamations of astonishment and admiration.

I can do a book in three months if I spend all day, seven days a week at it and, in fact, I work better that way.

Martyrdom is often the result of excessive gullibility.

Exaggeration is the cheapest form of humor.

I disapprove of matrimony as a matter of principle.... Why should any independent, intelligent female choose to subject herself to the whims and tyrannies of a husband? I assure you, I have yet to meet a man as sensible as myself! (Amelia Peabody)

The trouble with unknown enemies is that they are so difficult to identify.