It is a sure evidence of a good book if it pleases us more and more as we grow older.

The most perfect ape cannot draw an ape; only man can do that; but, likewise, only man regards the ability to do this as a sign of superiority.

It is said that truth comes from the mouths of fools and children: I wish every good mind which feels an inclination for satire would reflect that the finest satirist always has something of both in him.

The most heated defenders of a science, who cannot endure the slightest sneer at it, are commonly those who have not made very much progress in it and are secretly aware of this defect.

Nowadays three witty turns of phrase and a lie make a writer.

If all mankind were suddenly to practice honesty, many thousands of people would be sure to starve.

Everyone is a genius at least once a year.