He was always smoothing and polishing himself, and in the end he became blunt before he was sharp.

The book which most deserved to be banned would be a catalog of banned books.

Just as we outgrow a pair of trousers, we outgrow acquaintances, libraries, principles, etc., at times before they're worn out and times - and this is the worst of all - before we have new ones.

Why does a suppurating lung give so little warning and a sore on the finger so much?

Many intelligent people, when about to write . . . , force on their minds a certain notion about style, just as they screw up their faces when they sit for their portraits.

Honest unaffected distrust of human abilities under all circumstances is the surest sign of strength of mind.

He who is enamored of himself will at least have the advantage of being inconvenienced by few rivals.