True humanity consists not in a squeamish ear; it consists not in starting or shrinking at tales of misery, but in a disposition of heart to relieve it. True humanity appertains rather to the mind than to the nerves, and prompts men to use real and active endeavors to execute the actions which it suggests.

Bonfire of the Vanities: The lesson of that book is, never start believing your own press.

All my seams have meaning - they emphasize something about the body.

Forget all you know & learn something every day.

You should know that my most important contribution was always in tailoring; coats, jackets, wool dresses… so few of which went into the magazines.

The best way to quiet a country is a good thrashing, followed by great kindness afterwards. Even the wildest chaps are thus tamed.

The human mind is never better disposed to gratitude and attachment than when softened by fear.