The wise men of old have sent most of their morality down the stream of time in the light skiff of apothegm or epigram; and the proverbs of nations, which embody the commonsense of nations, have the brisk concussion of the most sparkling wit.

What does competency in the long run mean? It means to all reasonable beings, cleanliness of person, decency of dress, courtesy of manners, opportunities for education, the delights of leisure, and the bliss of giving.

Even in social life, it is persistency which attracts confidence, more than talents and accomplishments.

The familiar writer is apt to be his own satirist. Out of his own mouth is he judged.

Pretension is nothing; power is everything.

A politician weakly and amiably in the right, is no match for a politician tenaciously and pugnaciously in the wrong.

Sydney Smith playfully says that common sense was invented by Socrates, that philosopher having been one of its most conspicuous exemplars in conducting the contest of practical sagacity against stupid prejudice and illusory beliefs.