The difference of race is one of the reasons why I fear war may always exist; because race implies difference, difference implies superiority, and superiority leads to predominance.

Knowledge of mankind is a knowledge of their passions.

The art of conversation is to be prompt without being stubborn, to refute without argument, and to clothe great matters in a motley garb.

The tone and tendency of liberalism...is to attack the institutions of the country under the name of reform and to make war on the manners and customs of the people under the pretext of progress.

Those who cannot themselves observe can at least acquire the observation of others.

Bore: one who has the power of speech but not the capacity for conversation.

When I want to read a novel, I write one.