Faith is always at a disadvantage; it is a perpetually defeated thing which survives all conquerors.

Tradition means giving votes to the most obscure of all classes, our ancestors. It is the democracy of the dead. Tradition refuses to submit to that arrogant oligarchy who merely happen to be walking around.

The truth is that there are no things for which men will make such herculean efforts as the things of which they know they are unworthy.

If we could destroy custom at a blow and see the stars as a child sees them, we should need no other apocalypse.

I am a bad reporter because everything seems to me worth reporting; and a bad reviewer because every sentence in every book suggests a separate essay.

Well, if I am not drunk, I am mad," replied Syme with perfect calm; "but I trust I can behave like a gentleman in either condition.

The human race, to which so many of my readers belong, has been playing at children's games from the beginning, and will probably do it till the end, which is a nuisance for the few people who grow up.